Summer 2021 Issue
Food + Community
A Look at Garden State Nutrition Assistance Programs, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply
Good Food for All
Here in the Garden State, we have an abundance of beautiful farmland and fresh produce. As New Jerseyans, we all want to provide quality, healthy food for ourselves and our families, and having access to local produce is essential. However, fresh and healthy choices are not always the most affordable option, which can be a hurdle for those living on a limited budget, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only exacerbated food affordability issues.
Fortunately, there are many nutrition assistance programs available in New Jersey that help people during times of need. While programs such as SNAP/EBT have long been accepted by supermarkets and convenience stores, SNAP and other programs also allow recipients to purchase fresh, healthy food directly from Garden State farmers.
The programs outlined on these pages are a triple win for New Jersey residents, local farmers, and communities, and help to make quality, locally grown food accessible for all of our neighbors. Whether your family’s need for nutrition assistance is short- or long-term, they can make an important difference.
“I am able to access seasonal, healthy local produce that fits into my food budget,” noted a shopper recently at the West Windsor Farmers’ Market. “Though I hope that this period of need in my life is temporary, it is highly reassuring to know that the community I live in supports me in my right to access the healthiest, most sustainable food options.”
BENEFIT PROGRAMS
WIC FMNP is a federal nutrition program that is locally administered by the NJ Department of Health. It provides wholesome food, nutrition education, and community support for income-eligible women who are pregnant and post-partum, infants and children up to 5 years old. Eligible women and children whose gross household income is equal to or less than 185% of the poverty level* may qualify.
A variety of fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs may be purchased with WIC FMNP checks. WIC FMNP checks are worth $5 each, and eligible recipients receive up to $25 to use during the season (June—November). WIC FMNP checks can only be redeemed with WIC-authorized New Jersey farmers. Upon being accepted into the WIC FMNP program, participants receive a list of farm vendors and farmers’ markets that accept the checks.
FOR SHOPPERS: To find out if you are eligible, contact your local WIC office to set up an appointment. All applicants in the family, including children, will need to be present at the meeting: nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/participants/find-wic.
FOR FARMERS: To become a WIC-authorized farmer, contact the NJ Department of Agriculture at 609.292.5536 or visit nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/md/prog/wic.html for more information.
* As of press time, for example, a family of four earning less than $48,470 (gross) annually or $933 per week would qualify for the WIC FMNP program. Visit nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/participants/apply-wic/income.shtml to determine the benefit level for you based on your family size.
SNAP is a federal nutrition assistance program that is designed to help you stretch your food budget and buy nutritious foods that can keep you and your family healthy. In New Jersey, the SNAP program is called “Families First,” and may sometimes be referred to as EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer). Eligibility is determined by each household’s income and resources, and anyone over the age of 18 can apply. While benefit amounts can vary widely dependent upon each individual situation, the average SNAP benefit per person is about $125 per month. SNAP benefits are electronically loaded onto each household’s “Families First” debit card, and are accepted at any authorized food retailer, which includes most grocery stores and corner stores. Many NJ farmers markets and farmers also accept SNAP benefits, which means you can use your SNAP dollars to purchase fresh, local food directly from NJ farmers, including produce, meats, fish, dairy, baked goods, vegetable and herb seedlings, and more.
FOR SHOPPERS: To find out if you qualify for SNAP benefits and to apply, visit njhelps.org or call 800.687.9512 for general information.
FOR FARMERS OR MARKETS: To become a SNAP-authorized farmer or farmers’ market, visit fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept
The Garden State Good Food Network’s “Good Food Bucks” program, an initiative of City Green, is New Jersey’s only statewide SNAP-doubling program, designed for use specifically at farms and farmers’ markets. The Good Food Bucks program gives individuals and families who are having difficulty making ends meet a hand up by doubling their federal SNAP benefit (see paragraph above). Every time a customer spends $1 of their SNAP benefits at a participating farm or farmers’ market, they receive an additional $1 in Good Food Bucks to spend on locally grown produce. City Green provides funding, training, and technical assistance to NJ farmers’ markets, farm stands, and CSAs. The program provides benefits in two ways: People who use SNAP can double the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables on their tables, while at the same time supporting the people who grow our food.
FOR SHOPPERS: Good Food Bucks are available to anyone who uses SNAP benefits at a participating farm or farmers’ market and the incentive dollars (coupons) are distributed at the point of purchase. Visit GoodFoodBucks.com for an updated listing of where to find a Good Food Bucks farmers’ market or farm stand/CSA near you.
FOR FARMERS OR MARKETS: To join City Green’s Garden State Good Food Network and bring the Good Food Bucks SNAP incentive program to your farmers’ market, farm stand, or CSA, contact Lisa Martin at LMartin@city-green.org or 973.869.4086
Similar to WIC FMNP, the purpose of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is to provide locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to New Jersey’s senior citizens. Each eligible senior participant aged 60 years or older, whose gross income is less than 185% of the poverty level, receives four $5 checks ($20) for the season (June—November) to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from WIC-authorized NJ farmers.
FOR SHOPPERS: If you are aged 60+ and want to find out if you qualify for Senior FMNP, contact the NJ State WIC Office at 609.292.9560 to be directed to your local Agency on Aging or visit nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/senior-nutrition/senior-farmers
FOR FARMERS: To become a WIC-authorized farmer, contact the NJ Department of Agriculture at 609.292.5536 or visit nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/md/prog/wic.html for more information.
WHERE TO REDEEM BENEFITS
Edible Jersey’s 2021 Farmers’ Market Guide can help you find community farmers’ markets that currently accept WIC, Senior FMNP, SNAP, or Good Food Bucks benefits. You can also ask on-site at your local farmers’ market or farm stand if they participate in any of the various assistance programs.
When you shop at a participating farmers’ market or farm stand, look for the Market Manager table and let the staff know you’re there to redeem your benefits. They’ll tell you which vendors accept WIC and Senior FMNP checks, SNAP, and Good Food Bucks, and will help you to get the most out of your visit so you can fill your table with fresh Jersey-grown produce.
Editor’s Note: NJ farmers and farmers’ markets are encouraged to participate in City Green and the NJ YMCA State Alliance’s statewide Farmers’ Market and Growers Coalition, which connects farmers and markets directly to SNAP shoppers and provides technical assistance in becoming a SNAP or WIC authorized retailer. Contact Lisa Martin at LMartin@citygreen.org or visit citygreenonline.org/coalitions for more information.
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