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Winter 2025/26
Welcome to the Winter WIC Farmers' Newsletter. We are excited to share highlights from a successful FMNP season, recognize top redeemers, and provide updates on training, events, and resources.
FMNP Season Totals
Another Successful Season!
Thank you to all WIC Farmers for another successful season. This year, WIC participants received $137,567 worth of fresh produce sourced from Maine farmers. From this total, $116,405 was provided through the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and $21,162 came from WIC’s monthly Fruit and Vegetable benefit.
Thank you for your ongoing support of WIC participants. We appreciate your efforts and perseverance even in the face of challenges. Because of you, more families throughout the state now enjoy access to a wide variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
“I thought I’d never be able to afford a farmers’ market, but they had everything I needed and [I] felt like I was making a difference in the community.” – WIC Participant
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FMNP Top Redeemers by County
2025 WIC Fruit and Vegetable Award Winners
We are excited to honor the top redeemers from each county. In the upcoming weeks, these farms will receive their award certificates along with a token of appreciation. A heartfelt thank you to all participating farmers for providing fresh, nutritious food for WIC families.
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County
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Top Redeeming Farm
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Androscoggin
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Blackie’s Farm Fresh Produce
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Aroostook
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Goughan's Berry Farm
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Cumberland
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Alewive’s Brook Farm
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Franklin
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Rasmussen Farm
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Hancock
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Beech Hill Farm
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Kennebec
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Field of Greens
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Lincoln
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Goranson Farm
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Oxford
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Patch Farm
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Penobscot
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Nettie Fox Farm
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Piscataquis
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Marr Pond Farm
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Sagadahoc
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Whatley Farm
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Somerset
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The Apple Farm
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Waldo
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Second Frost Farm
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Washington
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Smithereen Farm
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York
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Girard Farm
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FMNP Participant Survey
Farmer's Market Nutrition Program - The Participants' Perspective
Maine WIC conducted a survey to gather insights from participants regarding their experiences using their benefits with WIC Farmers. Below are some findings from this season’s survey:
New Shoppers: For more than 30% of respondents, this was their first time visiting a farmer’s market or farm stand. Introducing new families to options for fresh local produce will influence their eating and shopping habits for a lifetime.
“It is so important to me to shop local and teach my kids to know where their food came from. I love to know our farmers by name! – WIC Participant
Impact of the Program: When asked how the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program made a difference for their family, the top 3 responses included:
- I feel good about supporting my local farmers.
- I or my child tried a new fruit or vegetable.
- I shopped at a farm/farmers’ market for the first time.
“…it provides an enriching experience for my child to try new foods that are locally grown and learn more about agriculture in a child-friendly format.” – WIC Participant
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Training
2026 WIC Farmer Training
From January through March, training will be offered for WIC Farmers. All farmers are welcome to take part in the training. Participation in training is mandatory for new farmers and those whose Farmer Agreement is set to expire in March. Training options include in-person training, online sessions, and a self-paced format available for current WIC-authorized farmers.
If your farm is up for renewal this season, expect to receive a notification with detailed instructions regarding the renewal process in early January.
To register for training, please use the link provided below.
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Events
Don’t Miss Maine’s 85th Agricultural Trade Show
Join us at the Augusta Agriculture Show on January 13th, 14th, and 15th. We will be located at Booth 128, so please stop by if you are attending the show. Admission is free, and we will be offering in-person training at the show for anyone interested. Training will take place at 9:00am each day. To register for the training in advance, use this link: WIC Training Registration. If you are simply looking to learn more about the program and determine if it is right for you, we invite you to join us!
- Tuesday 1/13 at 9:00 am – Hancock Room
- Wednesday 1/14 at 9:00 am – Somerset Room
- Thursday 1/15 at 9:00 am – Washington/York Room
*Please check the show directory for any last-minute room changes
For more information about the show visit www.maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow
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Recruitment Efforts
Referring New Farmers to WIC
Do you know any farmers in your community who might be interested in participating in WIC? They can find more details about the process on our website Maine.gov/WIC or from this information sheet: Maine Farmers Wanted.
Maine WIC accepts new farmer applications from January 1st to March 31st each year.
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Thank you for being an essential part of the Maine WIC Farmers' Network. We look forward to another successful season together.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Non-Discrimination Statement
Maine WIC Nutrition Program
Department of Health & Human Services
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
286 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-3991 1-800-437-9300
TTY: Maine Relay 711
email: WICVendor@maine.gov
website: Maine.gov/WIC
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