Maryland WIC Farmers
Welcome to the Maryland WIC Program’s farmer web page. Here you will be able to download information most requested by WIC Farmers. We hope you find this site helpful. If you have questions or need additional information or assistance, please call Terri Buckler at 410-767-5722.
We are also available toll free at 1-800-242-4WIC(4942).
Important Information about Becoming an Authorized WIC Farmer
Two types of benefits are distributed by the WIC Program for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables; the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) check (administered by the Maryland State Department of Agriculture) and the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit (FVB) (administered by the Maryland Department of Health). Only Farmers authorized by the Maryland State Department of Agriculture to accept Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks are eligible to apply to the Maryland Department of Health to redeem WIC FVBs. To simplify the process for you, one application has been created that is shared between the two Departments and allows you to apply for FMNP or FMNP and WIC FVB at the same time.
WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program Checks
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides approximately $30.00 worth of checks to qualifying WIC participants each Farmers’ Market season. The checks are distributed during the summer months in WIC clinics that were specifically selected based on their closeness to a Farmers’ Market. Farmers’ Markets are a focus of WIC nutrition education and are promoted by WIC staff throughout the market season. The FMNP check can be redeemed by FMNP authorized farmers through November 30, and are deposited in the farmers’ bank.
WIC Fruit and Vegetable Benefits (FVBs)
The WIC Program provides approximately $10.00 of FVBs to eligible participants each month. These benefits can be redeemed by a WIC authorized vendor (grocery store) or a WIC authorized farmer. WIC benefits in Maryland are issued electronically and require all retailers (grocers or farmers) to process benefit redemptions through a point-of-sale (POS) device with internet access. The Maryland WIC Program provides point-of-sale (POS) equipment to any Farmer authorized to redeem eWIC benefits prior to October 1, 2018. Farmers authorized October 1, 2018 or after will be required to lease POS terminal(s) at the current negotiated lease rate, from the Program’s eWIC Processor. Farmers must have their own internet access through a mobile phone or mobile hotspot to process an eWIC transaction.
Applying to be an Authorized WIC Farmer:
Applications are being accepted from farmers to become authorized by the Maryland WIC Program to accept WIC FVBs at participating Farmers’ Markets.
If you’d like to be a FMNP authorized farmer and be able to accept WIC FVBs at the farmers’ market or your home farm stand, please follow the steps below:
Complete the farmer’s application (available below) Submit the application to:
terri.buckler@maryland.govOnce your application is reviewed and approved, we will email you the Farmer’s Agreement to sign electronically. Sign an agreement with the State’s eWIC processor for the use of the POS device Attend a mandatory 1-hour training session with the State’s eWIC processor
Farmer resources:
Farmer Application
2022 FMNP/SFMNP Training Schedule
Farmers Handbook Effective 2019
Farmer Complaint Form
2019 Farmer's Market Cookbook
2019 Farmer's Market Cookbook - Spanish
2020 Farmer's Market Cookbook
2021 Farmer's Market Cookbook
2021 Farmer's Market Cookbook - Spanish
Click
here to visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture for more information about Maryland Farmers Markets.
