Farmer Training for Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP WIC and Seniors) and Fruit & Vegetable (FVC) Check Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 16, 2012) – To help farmers understand the recent changes and addition of new federal nutrition programs that can be accepted at farmers’ markets, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to offer training for both the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP – WIC and Seniors) and the Fruit and Vegetable Check (FVC) Program.  This training is mandatory for farmers who want to accept checks from participants at authorized farmers’ markets.

The remaining training dates are:

• March 19 – St. Mary’s County: Charlotte Hall Library, 37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall, MD from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• March 20 – Washington, DC: Department of Employment Services (DOES), 4058 Minnesota Avenue, N.E., 1st Floor Community Room, Washington, D.C. 20019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.**
• March 22 – Prince Georges County: Accokeek Foundation, 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607 from 9 a.m. to noon**
• March 27 – Caroline County: 4-H Youth Park, Route 16 & Detour Road, Denton, MD 21629 from 10 a.m. to noon.
• April 5 –Washington County:  Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro MD  21713 from 10 a.m. to noon.
• April 16 – Anne Arundel County: Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters, 50 Harry S Truman Pkwy, Annapolis MD 21401 from 10 a.m. to noon
• April 16 – online, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Register in advance.
• April 17 – Garrett County webinar online, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Register here:

** indicates joint training sessions with DC

Training participants will learn about the different federal nutrition benefit programs, be provided with the policies and procedures for both the FMNP and the FVC program, and upon completion of the training will receive signs to display at their market stands.

Please pre-register for training and let Amy Crone know if you have any questions.  She may be reached at 410-841-5776 or email: [email protected].