•August 20, 2025•

by Angela Hogan, R.N. 

MSPH, Administrator of the  Moultrie County Health  Department

The WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) connects women, children, and seniors with fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs through participating farmers’ markets. The program operates during the summer months until September 30, 2025. Eligible participants can enjoy healthy, seasonal produce while supporting local farmers. 

What is the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program? The FMNP is a statewide initiative with two main goals. First, to improve nutrition for women, children, and seniors: Participants receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers’ market vendors. Second, to support local farmers and family farms. The program increases sales at farmers’ markets, encouraging growth and diversity in Illinois agriculture. 

Benefits for Participants include access to fresh, nutritious produce that supports better health, opportunities to learn how to select and prepare a variety of fruits and vegetables, and an introduction to local farmers’ markets and their seasonal offerings.

Benefits for Farmers include opportunities for improved sales and visibility at local markets, exposure to consumers looking for fresh, diverse produce in the community, and increased support for family farms and local agriculture. 

How to Use FMNP Coupons: Obtain and use your FMNP coupons before September 30, 2025. Look for vendor signs showing they accept FMNP coupons. Refer to the list of fruits, vegetables, and herbs approved for purchase when shopping with the coupons. A proxy may shop on your behalf if you cannot attend the market—check with your agency for details. Bonus: Sales tax cannot be charged on approved produce when using the FMNP coupons. 

Eligible Foods: Fresh Vegetables: Includes broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peppers, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and more. Fresh Fruits: Such as apples, berries, grapes, melons, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, and others. Other Items: Cut herbs and Honey (seniors only). A complete list of all eligible and non-eligible foods is available from the Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD). 

Why is FMNP Important to Moultrie County? The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program promotes the nutrition of WIC participants (pregnant women, infants, and children up to age 5) and seniors (age 60 and over). The program also seeks to promote healthy eating habits: The FMNP encourages consuming more fruits and vegetables. Healthy eating patterns reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity. Support local farmers and vendors: The FMNP creates a direct market for local farmers. This boosts our local economy and provides fresh, locally sourced food options for program participants. Offer consumer health education: The FMNP also provides education to assist participants with nutrition information and cooking techniques.

Support health and community wellness: Access to locally grown, nutritious foods leads to improved health for WIC participants and seniors. Healthy babies, children, mothers, and seniors benefit our families and our communities. Information and Eligibility: Moultrie County residents may contact the MCHD at (217) 728-4114 and ask for the WIC program. If you’re a current WIC participant, the MCHD can help you obtain coupons. If not, the staff can help determine your eligibility. Individuals aged 60 and older can contact Mid-Illinois Senior Services at (217) 728-8521 for eligibility details.

Farmers interested in selling produce through the FMNP program should contact the MCHD at (217) 728-4114 or the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) at 1-800-843-6154 or 1-866-324-5553 (TTY).
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