Farmers Market Nutrition Programs
Farmers Market Nutrition Programs support Louisiana seniors and WIC recipients with food benefits for locally grown produce, connecting them with participating farmers at approved markets and roadside stands.
Funder: Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (2026 benefits expire) | February 2027 (senior applications begin)
Funding Amounts: $30 in food benefits per qualifying senior or WIC participant
Summary: Food benefits cards help eligible Louisiana seniors and WIC recipients buy locally grown produce from participating farmers.
Key Information: Participants must apply every year; prior-year benefits do not renew automatically.
Description
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry administers two Farmers Market Nutrition Programs: one for seniors and one for WIC recipients. The department secured U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for the 2026 programs. Eligible participants receive food benefits cards to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from participating farmers at approved farmers markets and roadside stands. Senior participants may also buy honey.
The programs connect food benefits with Louisiana-grown products and provide farmers with a way to accept those payments. Farmers must be certified, and markets or roadside stands must complete the applicable registration process. The department maintains a directory of approved places where participants can use their cards.
