All Growers Must Submit New Application (Farm Stores Separate)
Thanks to the addition of WIC Monthly Fruit and Vegetable Benefits (CVB) for FMNP growers, approved growers can accept those benefits year-round. All growers will need to submit a new agreement for approval before accepting benefits anytime in 2025. The FMNP season will still be June 1 through October 31. All growers must be approved before that date.
Please go to our website to find the rules for the program and the Grower Application. Click the link here.
Farm Store Applications Now Must Be Submitted Separately
Please notice that we made a change to the farm store application process. Now, farm stores have their own separate agreement and application. If you are either a previously approved farm store grower or someone wishing to accept FMNP benefits at their farm store, you must review the farm store agreement and fill out that application.
Growers who wish to accept FMNP benefits at farmers markets as well as at their own farm store must fill out both applications separately.
Farm Store Requirements:
- Must be in a fixed location where at least a portion of the eligible food is grown (no mobile markets allowed)
- Must be at least 5 miles away from the nearest approved farmers market or farm store
- Have access to a smart device (phone or tablet to scan QR code) with reliable cell signal or Wi-Fi
- Must have staff on-site during all declared hours
- Accept training and technical assistance from FMNP staff
- Comply with all other requirements detailed in the farm store agreement
Link to Farm Store Application.
We prefer the applications be sent via email to FMNPTeam@doh.wa.gov. See the application for more details.
Monthly Fruit & Vegetable Benefits (CVB) Had a BIG Increase in 2024!
Starting in June 2023, approved FMNP growers were able to accept the WIC Monthly Fruit and Vegetable Benefit (CVB) year-round, along with WIC and Senior FMNP benefits during their set season. 2024 marked the second year of the new electronic benefit format.
When the calendar turned to November 1, growers were only able to accept WIC CVB. In the timeframe of November 1 to December 31, there was a large year-to-year jump between 2023 and 2024. There was $951.01 redeemed CVB in that time frame in 2023. That increased to $1,473.26 in 2024, for an increase of $522.25.
In past years, no FMNP growers were able to redeem this benefit type. Now, it is another way for growers to earn revenue year-round, so long as they are approved by state staff to do so.
Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA) Updates
1099K Form
Custom Data Processing Inc. (CDP) would like to inform all FMNP growers that, for the 2024 tax year, they will be issuing a 1099-K tax form to each grower. This form is required by the IRS for reporting payments received through third-party payment processors (such as CDP). Growers should expect to receive their 1099-K forms in the coming weeks. If you have not received it by January 30 or have any questions about the form, please feel free to contact CDP directly at (800) 888-6035.
Senior FMNP Updates
Happy New Year! As we wrap up the 2024 season, we look to build on lessons learned and continue improving food access for older Washingtonians in 2025.
In 2024, the Senior Farmers Marekt Nutrition Program (SFMNP) had its highest participation on record, serving 36,749 individuals. Participants also redeemed more benefits in 2024, spending a total of $2,016,427 in benefits at local farmers markets, farm stores, and roadside stands. In 2025, we plan to issue new benefit cards to participants with $80 to spend at approved locations. Benefit cards issued in prior years can be securely discarded. As a reminder, participants must apply through their local programs to receive SFMNP benefits each year. Local application periods generally open during the spring and SFMNP benefits must be used between June 1st-October 31st.
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