The Arizona WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) gives eligible WIC families fresh, Arizona‑grown fruits and vegetables at farms markets and farm stands during the 2026 season.
WIC FMNP provides coupons that can be spent on approved produce when markets are open.
Understanding the 2026 June to September schedule, program season dates, and where to use benefits can help WIC participants plan their visits and get the most from this program.
All program details are from official state nutrition program sites.
What is the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program?
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a federally funded initiative that gives additional nutrition resources to families participating in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program.
It supplements the regular WIC food package by offering coupons that can be redeemed for fresh, locally grown produce at participating farmers markets and farm stands in Arizona.
Each year, WIC FMNP issues one booklet of coupons per eligible household. The coupons are worth $50 total and are available on a first come, first served basis while funding lasts in 2026.
When Does the 2026 WIC Farmers Market Season Start?
For 2026, applications to receive WIC FMNP coupons open on March 1, 2026. WIC participants must apply before going to the markets to shop with their coupons.
Until an application is submitted and processed, coupons will not be mailed to you.
Once you receive your coupons, you can use them for qualifying produce at participating markets. Coupons must be collected and spent by the program deadlines.
What Are the Important 2026 Dates?
In 2026, the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program operates within defined key dates that affect when you can collect and use coupons:
- March 1, 2026 – WIC FMNP applications open.
- September 30, 2026 – Last day to collect coupons (based on funding availability).
- November 15, 2026 – Last day to spend coupons at approved markets and farm stands.
Keep these dates in mind as you plan visits between June and September 2026. WIC FMNP coupons can only be spent on approved produce before the November expiration.
How Does the June to September Market Season Work?
Farmers markets and farm stands in Arizona generally operate on weekly or seasonal schedules that may differ by location. The AZFMNP program does not set the exact hours for all markets, but coupons are accepted at markets that operate between March and the end of September, and especially during the peak summer months of June through September.
Below are common patterns you might see at many markets:
- Market days range from weekly to biweekly.
- Most markets open in the morning and close by early afternoon.
- June through September is peak season when many markets are open with the widest selection of produce.
Always check each market’s schedule before you go. Some locations may have longer or shorter seasons, or different hours, especially during monsoon or extreme heat periods.
Where Can I Use WIC FMNP Coupons in Summer 2026?
WIC FMNP coupons are accepted at authorized farmers markets and farm stands throughout Arizona. The official Find a Market tool on the AZFMNP site lets you search by ZIP code to see participating locations and their schedules.
Examples of markets that commonly participate and accept WIC FMNP coupons include:
- Mesa Community Farmers’ Market – Located at 263 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201. This market typically runs Friday mornings (9:00 AM–12:00 PM) May through September, making it ideal to use WIC coupons in June, July, August, and September 2026.
Keep in mind that each market sets its own hours. Contact individual markets or use the AZFMNP map to confirm whether they are open on the days you plan to visit.
How Do I Find Specific Market Schedules?
To find exact dates, hours, and operations for farmers markets that accept WIC FMNP coupons, use the AZFMNP Find a Market page. Enter your ZIP code and search for participating locations near you.
Most market listings will show:
- Operating days (for example, Saturdays or Wednesdays)
- Market hours (for example, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
- Seasonal months (when each market opens and closes)
Some markets also list additional programs such as SNAP/EBT acceptance or community events.
What Produce Can I Buy With My Coupons?
WIC FMNP coupons can be used only for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at participating markets. The coupons cannot be used for hot prepared foods, seeds, plants that produce food later, or items not grown in Arizona.
Eligible items generally include:
- Fresh fruits like melons, berries, and citrus
- Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, greens, squash, and peppers
- Local herbs grown by Arizona farmers
Always look for vendors displaying the official FMNP logo flag at their booth to know they accept coupons.
Do I Need to Apply Every Year?
Yes.
WIC FMNP participants must apply each year to receive coupons. Since funding is limited, applying early in the season (as soon as applications open in March) increases your chances of getting coupons before funding runs out.
Participants may be placed on a waitlist if coupon booklets are all claimed. If additional funding becomes available later in the season, waitlisted applicants may be offered coupons.
Can WIC FMNP Coupons Be Used After September?
Yes. While coupons must be collected by September 30, 2026, they remain valid until November 15, 2026 for spending at farmers markets and farm stands.
Plan your visits accordingly so you use the coupons before they expire.
