Act now to save vital farmers’ market programs!

Two critical programs that support farmers and farmers markets are under threat by the current proposed presidential budget. The White House wants to eliminate the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).

Your voice is needed to protect these vital programs. Farmers markets don’t have Super PACs. We have something more powerful—a community of over 8,600 markets and millions of loyal shoppers in small towns and big cities in all 50 states. When we stand shoulder-to-shoulder and speak with one voice, we’re a force to be reckoned with. The time has come to get active.

If we act together it is still possible to save these programs, because Congress—not the President—controls the government’s budget. Congress is currently debating the future of both FMPP and WIC FMNP.

Take five minutes to call or email your Congressperson and let them know how important these programs are to your market and markets across the country.

Click these links to read the Farmers’ Market Coalition’s analysis of cuts to WIC FMNP and FMPP, and take a look at the following briefs for more information on the overall impact of the programs: FMPP Talking Points  & WIC FMNP Talking Points

Find out who represents you here, and call or email today! What You Might Expect When You Call:

Office: “Hello, Representative _______’s office.”

You: “Hello, my name is _______, with Texas Farmers Markets in Austin. May I please speak with the person who handles agriculture or nutrition issues for the Congressman?”

Office: “Of course, may I ask that this is in reference to?”

You: “The Farmers Market Promotion Program and the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program.”

Office: “Of course, I’ll transfer you right over….”

Agriculture Staffer: “Hello, Jane Farmer”

You: “Hello Jane! My name is _______, with Texas Farmers Markets in Austin. As you may know, the President’s budget proposes the complete elimination of both the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Farmers Market Promotion Program. I feel strongly that these are two worthy programs. Both are small, efficiently run, and are working exactly as they were designed to. Have you had a chance to discuss either of these programs with Congressman________?”

Agriculture Staffer: [Yes/no. Unless their boss in on the Agriculture Committee they may not have discussed either program]

You: Thank you. We just wanted to let the Congressman know that these programs are supporting great work in Central Texas and we’re counting on her/him!

 

Many thanks to our partners at the Farmers Market Coalition for helping local markets and citizens take action on this issue.