2012 Legislative Session Issues

CLICK HERE FOR A LISTING OF ALL THE ISSUES WE ARE TRACKING DURING THE 2012  SESSION.

PLEASE CALL OLYMPIA 1-800-562-6000

TO PROTECT

THE FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS  

Last session we were able to save the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP) but once again the programs are slated for elimination in the Governor’s budget reduction package. Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) operate FMNPs which provide vouchers to  low-income mothers, children and seniors to purchase healthy food from local growers at farmers markets. With only $100,000 in state funds, FMNP leveraged almost $900,000 in federal dollars in 2011 to support local farms and healthy food for poor families.

DOH’s Nutrition Services division provides administrative support for WIC FMNP and, through shared efficiencies with DSHS, for the Senior FMNP as well. Without sufficient administrative funds in the DOH budget, the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs for WIC families and for low income seniors will be eliminated. This year the two programs leveraged $894,000 of federal dollars! 887 farmers, 130 farmers markets and 179 farm stores received FMNP dollars. This is a strong program that leverages 9:1 federal dollars, helps our farmers, our children and our local economy! Without a state program, the federal dollars will go to another state, and it is unlikely that Washington will ever get it back.

Our Request: The Network urges protecting $100,000 in DOH’s budget to administer the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs for WIC and Seniors.  Please download the PROTECT FMNP Flyer and send it to your state Senator and Representatives with a personal note. Click here to find your legislators.  We are still collecting farms and organizations that support FMNP so download and complete our FMNP endorsement form to lend your farm's name or organization to protect FMNP.