SECTION 31.12. Program Administration

(a) The state agency shall determine the design, printing, and denominations of the food coupons used in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in accordance with federal regulations at 7 CFR Part 248.

(1) The design of the food coupons shall be uniform across the state and shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

(A) the last date, not later than November 30 of each year, the recipient may use the coupon;

(B) a time frame within which farmers' market associations must submit coupons for payment;

(C) a unique, sequential serial number;

(D) a denomination (dollar amount); and

(E) a place the unique identifier of the farmer who sold the food may be added.

(2) Either the state or local agencies may print coupons. Local agencies shall utilize software provided by the State agency for uniformity.

(3) The combined value of all the coupons issued to each recipient or household shall be not less than $10 and not more than $30 per year. The state agency shall determine the denominations of food coupons each year based on the funds available to support the program.

(b) Food coupons shall be issued to women and children certified as eligible for the WIC Program and who receive WIC food benefits during the months of March through August at local agencies that contract with the state agency to operate the FMNP.

(1) Recipients must present their WIC identification cards to receive FMNP coupons.

(2) Recipients shall receive written information on the program including:

(A) a list of authorized markets at which coupons may be redeemed;

(B) a harvest schedule listing the dates fresh fruits and vegetables are expected to be available in the community during the months the coupons are valid;

(C) instructions stating that:

(i) coupons shall be countersigned only at the time the coupons are redeemed;

(ii) lost coupons will not be replaced; and

(D) notification that no cash change will be given if coupons are redeemed for less than their face value. Local agencies shall also notify recipients verbally that cash change will not be provided when coupons are redeemed for less than their face value.

(c) Farmers' market associations shall submit requests for payment to the state agency.

(1) Each farmers' market association shall submit at least one claim form (a State of Texas Purchase Voucher) to the state agency each month. Claim forms may be submitted more frequently if necessary.

(2) A redemption list detailing the individual farmer identification numbers and amounts of coupons redeemed by each farmer shall be included with each voucher/claim form.

(3) The state agency shall provide a handbook for farmers and farmers' market associations describing the process for submission of coupons for payment.

(d) Once a farmers' market association has been approved to participate in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, a written farmers' market agreement shall be prepared and signed by authorized officials of the state agency and the farmers' market association. Upon receipt by the farmers' market association of the executed and signed agreement, the association and its members may begin accepting coupons.

(e) The farmers' market association shall complete and execute a FMNP Farmer's Profile and Agreement for each member farmer who will be redeeming Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons. On the agreement, the association shall assign a unique four digit outlet number to each farmer and shall provide each farmer's mailing address, street address (if different), home and work phone numbers, social security number, fax number, and e-mail address. The agreement shall be signed and dated by each farmer and the association official.

(f) If farmers join an association after the association's agreement has been executed, the association shall complete and submit a farmer agreement for each new member farmer to the state agency.

(g) If a farmer ceases to be a member of an association, the association shall notify the state agency that the farmer will no longer be redeeming Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons through that association.

Source Note: The provisions of this §31.12 adopted to be effective August 5, 2001, 26 TexReg 5642; amended to be effective June 4, 2006, 31 TexReg 4428