SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - New Rules for Farmers Market Food Program in 2026

Episode Date: March 9, 2026

Send us a text and chime in!The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) looks a lot different this year. Low-income seniors and WIC households must now apply online or by mail, and then choose to have the coupons mailed directly to them or opt to pick up coupons at Prescott Farmers Market (PFM). This is a significant change from previous years, when participants could pick up coupons on the spot at PFM. Applications opened March 1, 2026. Another important update is that coupons total per eligible person for the year. The additional match coupon booklets offered in prior years have been eliminated due to a... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/new-rules-for-farmers-market-food-program-in-2026/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Text to speech audio articles made possible on the Cast11.com podcast network by Fain's Signature Group. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program, FMNP, looks a lot different this year. Low-income seniors and WIC households must now apply online or buy mail, and then choose to have the coupons mail directly to them or off to pick up coupons at Prescott Farmers Market, PFM. This is a significant change from previous years, when participants could pick up coupons on the spot at PFM. Applications opened March 1st, 26. Another important update is that coupons total $50 per eligible person for the year. The additional $50 match coupon booklets offered in prior years have been eliminated due to a lack of funding.

The FMNP is a USDA program administered in Arizona by the Department of Economic Security and Pinnacle Prevention. It provides coupons redeemable for fresh, whole, unprocessed, Arizona-grown fruits, vegetables, and dried beans at participating farmers market statewide. Shoppers can redeem FMNP coupons at approved vendor booths displaying FMNP signage at PFM. The shift to an online application means families and seniors need to plan ahead this year, said Kathleen Yetman, Executive Director of PFM. We want to make sure that no one misses out and that everyone receives the benefits they need to ensure they have the fresh produce they deserve. In short, PFM encourages eligible participants to apply early because funding is limited and coupons are first come, first served. How it works in 2026. Step 1, to apply, visit www.

www.usphimp.org beginning March 1st. Paper applications are available by calling 833, 836, 8253, extension 4. Step 2, receive FMNP coupons by mail or opt to pick up at PFM. Coupons are first come, first served. Participants may be waitlisted based on funding availability. Step 3. Shop. Use FMNP coupons at PFM and spend them on fresh, Arizona Grom Produce at participating vendor booths. Key dates. March 1st, online applications open for WIC and senior FMNP coupons. September 30th, last day to apply, subject to funding availability. November 14th, last day to spend FMNP coupons at PFM. Snap slash EBT.

Separately from FMNP, PEFNP, PEA. The FM, the only double-up food bucks outside in Yavapai County, except snap slash EBT and sunbucks, summer EBT, cards. Shoppers who spend any amount with their snap slash EBT card receive that same amount in free double-up tokens to spend on fruits, vegetables, dried beans, edible plants and herbs, nuts, and seeds. There is no daily limit on doubled snap purchases. Programs like FMNP and double up food bucks exist because too many of our neighbors still have to choose between paying bills and eating well, Yetman added. And every coupon redeemed at our market

puts dollars directly into the hands of local farmers, while also putting fresh, nutritious food on a family's table. That's the cycle we're building at PFM. It's one that strengthens the whole community, not just one side of the equation. Frequently asked questions. Who is eligible for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program? Seniors at or below 185% of the federal poverty level or those actively participating in the commodity supplemental food program, CSFP. Visit senior with income eligibility and seniors with CSFP yellow cards, pages for more eligibility information. Who is eligible for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program? Households actively participating in the women, infants, and children, WIC, program. Can I pick up FMNP coupons at the Farmers Market?

All participants must apply online at isfint.org or by mail before receiving coupons in the mail or picking them up at Prescott Farmers Market, a designated pickup site. Will there be match coupons in 2026? No. The $50 match coupon booklets are not available in 26 due to a lack of funding. When can I obtain coupons? When is the deadline to pick up coupons? Applications for senior and WIC FMMP coupons will open March 1st and will remain open through September 30th. PFM encourages eligible seniors and WIC participants to apply. early since we issue coupons on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the availability of funding. What can I buy with FMNP coupons? Fresh, whole, unprocessed Arizona-grown fruits, vegetables,

and dried beans at approved vendor booths displaying FMNP signage. About PFM. The Prescott Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. through March. In April, market hours changed to 7.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market is currently located at the corner of Iron Springs Road and Miller Valley Road in the overflow lot at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Customers can find a variety of agricultural goods, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, honey, eggs, grass-fed beef, seafood, and poultry. Local farmers grow a variety of cold-hearted vegetables including leeks, beets, radishes, carrots, salad mix, parsnips, microgreens, spinach, and kale. Pfm is a producer-only

farmers market, meaning every item sold is either grown or produced by the seller here in Arizona, the majority of goods come from within a 30-mile radius of Prescott. Pets are not allowed at the market. Aida's service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Pfm also operates the No Co Community Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen that currently serves 22 food businesses, the Feed Your Neighbors Food Assistance Program, and the Prescott Community Composts Program. As a vital part of the economy, the mission of PFCFM is a PFM is to support and expand local agriculture, cultivate a healthy community and increase access to affordable local food. PFM is a non-profit organization and a qualifying charitable tax credit

organization with the state of Arizona. For more information, visit www.prescottfarmacemarket.org or call 928-713-1227. Catch up with more local news stories on signalsaz.com. Subscribe and be the F1RSD to know.