The Farmers Market Nutrition Program creates more access to fresh local produce for WIC participants and low-income seniors while supporting local farmers. The quoted information was provided by Second Harvest Food Bank at fmnplehighvalley.com.

“FMNP provides a set of checks to WIC participants and income-eligible seniors once per year. The checks can be used to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables directly from participating farmers at farmers markets and their farm stands. You may hear the Farmers Market Nutrition Program referred to as FMNP, SFMNP (for seniors), farmers market checks, farmers market vouchers or farmers market coupons.

“How do I get FMNP checks? Seniors or their proxy apply for checks each year.”

The Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services will distribute the FMNP checks, also known as vouchers, to eligible senior residents by mail upon receipt of a completed application and while supplies last.

Vouchers are available to Lehigh County residents ages 60 or older whose total gross household income falls within income guidelines. WCHI has these income guidelines and applications available.

FMNP checks can be used June 1-Nov. 30. After Nov. 30, FMNP checks expire and cannot be used.

“You can use your FMNP checks at participating farmers markets, farm stands and mobile markets. You may use your checks at any participating location in Pennsylvania. Checks cannot be used at grocery stores, non-local retailers or local farms that have not signed up to accept the vouchers.”

The closest markets to Whitehall and Coplay are Lazarus Farm Market, 3605 Rural Road, Whitehall (610-799-3831); Elias Market, 101 W. Tilghman St., Allentown (610-776-1030); and Newhard Farms Corn Shed, 3250 Mauch Chunk Road, Coplay (610-799-3303).

“Checks can be used for fresh, unprepared fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania — example: tomatoes, strawberries, cilantro, corn, apples, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, watermelon and peppers. Unprepared means the produce cannot be cooked, cut or processed in any way. For example, you may use your vouchers to buy a quart of fresh apples, but you cannot use your vouchers to buy apple cider, apple slices or applesauce.

“You may not use vouchers for fruits and vegetables not grown in Pennsylvania — example: citrus, bananas, plantains and avocados cannot be grown in Pennsylvania, so they are not eligible for purchase. You may not use vouchers for non-produce items, like meat, bread, dairy, eggs, prepared or processed foods.

“Once you receive your FMNP checks, using them is easy. Simply take your vouchers to a participating location and select the eligible produce you would like to purchase. When you’re ready to pay, sign your check and hand it to the farmer. You cannot receive change, so be sure to use the entire value of the check.”

WIC participants and eligible seniors, I hope you take advantage of this wonderful fresh produce program!