July 14, 2023
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) announced today the start of the 2023 FMNP season, during which WIC participants automatically receive additional benefits to purchase fresh, local produce.
The FMNP season opened on July 1 and will end on October 31, 2023. Each WIC participant over 12 months old will have $30 to spend on Maine grown fruits and vegetables this season.
In 2022, Maine WIC transitioned to all-electronic benefits and provided nearly $90,000 to Maine farmers who grow fruits and vegetables accessible to WIC participants, doubling the annual amount paid out to those farmers. The 2023 season is shaping up to exceed last year’s reimbursement with a total of $287,001 available to Maine’s farmers who participate in the Maine WIC FMNP program. See www.maine.gov/wic for more details.
For WIC participants
- FMNP benefits were automatically loaded onto your card on July 1, 2023.
- You can shop with your FMNP benefits until October 31, 2023.
- The $30 cash value benefit can be used at certified farms, farmers markets and farmstands year-round.
- Learn how to use your FMNP benefits using the BNFT app by watching this instructional video (YouTube).
Markets, and Farm Stands
- Visit Find a WIC Farmer to find a farm, farmers market, or farm stand that accepts eWIC FMNP
2022 Season Highlights
- 81 certified farms, farmers markets, and farmstands
- $89,837 spent on fruits and vegetables with Maine farmers
- Top 3 Redeeming Maine Farms
Maine WIC is now accepting applications to become a WIC certified farm. See the WIC Information for Farmers page for information.
Benefits of Buying Local Fruits and Vegetables
- Local fruits and vegetables are fresh and often harvested the same day they are for sale.
- The fresher the produce, the higher the nutrient content, which helps with overall body function, energy, and building and repairing body tissue, organs, bones, and teeth.
- Supporting local farmers puts money into the pocket of your neighbor and helps to stimulate the local economy.
How to Join WIC
- WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that offers complete nutrition care including:
- Breast/chestfeeding support and supplies
- Healthy food benefits
- Nutrition education
- Referrals to other programs
- WIC is open to anyone living in Maine, including migrants working in Maine. Applicants can be any of the following:
- Women and birthing parents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or had a baby in the last six months.
- Infants and children up to age five, including adopted and foster children.
- Non-birthing parents or guardians may apply for their children.
- To find out more or to see if you qualify for WIC benefits, please visit maine.gov/wic