Market Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.
Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a federal nutrition assistance program, administered in our state by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The program assists seniors with low income seniors and families that receive WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) as well as local farmers, by giving participants benefits to use with local produce producers. New Benefits for 2024 can be used between June 1st and November 30th, 2024. FMNP Senior and WIC participants can check their balance via the app, SoliMarket Shopper. Enrollment for FMNP Seniors 2024 has begun, check the information below for detailed information on each program.
Once all FMNP benefits have been spent using the FMNP benefits card, Market Umbrella will match Senior and WIC FMNP food benefits with $30 in tokens issued at the welcome tent.
Senior FMNP
Usually occurring in April/May, seniors 60 years or older who live in Orleans Parish can apply at one of several pop-up locations run by Catholic Charities. Applicants may also mail, fax, or physically drop off applications. In surrounding parishes, the local Council on Aging typically handles the application process.
The 2024 value of FMNP for seniors is $50. Food benefits will be issued by reloading the food benefits card received last year; if you no longer have your card or didn't receive benefits last year, a new card will be mailed to you. Funds can be spent at the market directly with vendors who have the pictured yellow placard displayed at their table on fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.
New Benefits for 2024 expire on November 30, 2024.
Click here to view the senior FMNP benefit application.
Click here to view the application instructions.
Click here to view the program website and see income eligibility requirements.
Click here for a list of application drop-off locations and guidelines for Orleans Parish residents.
A. Mail your application:
Food for Seniors
Attn: Larry Calvin
5600 Hagan Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
B. Fax: 504-241-3102
To find out more information, contact Catholic Charities Food for Families at 504-245-7207.
WIC FMNP
For Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish WIC participants, the food benefit cards are available from the WIC office, or sometimes distributed at Crescent City Farmers Markets by WIC offices starting early summer and can be spent directly with certified farmers for the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs (no honey because of the potential risk of botulism for babies under 1 year). The 2024 value of FMNP is $30 per WIC-eligible household member.
Farmers can apply to accept the food benefit cards by contacting the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry at (985) 345-9483. For more information visit the LDAF website.
Questions? Call the Veggie Hotline with any questions (504) 495-1459 or email markets@marketumbrella.org.
About Us
The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.