August 2024

Attention: FMNP Market Managers

A graphic displaying “Farmers’ Market Cost-Share Now Open” on a yellow sign.

NEW Farmers’ Market Cost-Share programs available through the MDA!

Minnesota farmer’s markets participating in food assistance programs are eligible to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) new Senior Farmers’ Market Cost-Share and Food Assistance Cost-Share programs.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Cost-Share Program is open to Minnesota markets that are authorized to participate in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) in 2024. This cost-share reimburses up to $1,000 of expenses to help increase SFMNP benefit redemption.

The Food Assistance Cost-Share Program offers reimbursement up to $1,500 to Minnesota markets for expenses directly related to operating food assistance programs such as Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).

Markets can apply to reimburse eligible costs incurred between July 1, 2024, and June 1, 2025. The MDA will review and fund eligible requests on a first-come, first-served basis until the application deadline of June 1, 2025, or until all funds are dispersed, whichever comes first.

For additional information regarding the cost-share and how to submit an application please check out the Farmers' Market Cost-Share webpage.

Sneak Peek of the FMNP Modernization so far!

A snapshot of the modernized FMNP vendor dashboard displaying current season numbers.

Early-season FMNP updates:

• We have 474 vendors that are authorized this year
• 222 vendors have created their online account
• 117 vendors have scanned coupons in for redemption
• $37,600 worth of coupons have been redeemed by farmers

Top Markets with Coupon Redemption:

A snapshot of the top 10 markets with highest coupon redemption.

Market Manager Reminders

Make sure you are promoting FMNP at your market's information booth.  *If you need more signage or stickers for the kiddos, please reach out to us!

Please ensure that your authorized FMNP vendors have their signs prominently displayed at all times the market is open and they have their produce priced.

If you see customers with our FMNP coupons, help direct them to an authorized FMNP vendor.

If you or your vendors have questions, please reach out to us at any time throughout the season!