|
The
WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program in Washington State
 Description:
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program is designed to provide
families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) with locally grown fresh fruits
and vegetables. Packets of $2 checks at a value of $20 are distributed
to clients at participating WIC clinics across the state June
through September. Checks are redeemable for fresh fruits
and vegetables at approved farmers markets June
through October 31.
Background:
 Washington
State WIC FMNP was developed in cooperation with the Washington
State Farmers Market Association. It began in 1989, as one of ten
national demonstration sites, providing checks to 7,000 families
in 6 markets. The program is administered by the Washington State
Department of Health. In 2008, Washington State Department of Health provided $321,000 in state funding and the United States Department of Agriculture provided $532,095 in federal funding, for a total of $853,095.
WIC
FMNP Supports Consumption of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Increased access to a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables
combined with nutrition education provided by local WIC staff and
growers to WIC FMNP participants reduces the barriers to a healthy
diet that many low income families experience.
Purpose
- Provide
locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables for WIC families.
- Expand
awareness and access to farmers markets where consumers can buy
directly from the grower.
Benefits
- Reinforces message that eating more fruits and vegetables matters for better health.
- Educates high-risk families on nutrition and prevention of chronic disease.
- Promotes
Washington grown produce.
- Increases sales for Washington farmers. In 2007, local growers received $607,995 from the WIC FMNP.
 The
2008 WIC FMNP
- 49,000 individuals have the opportunity to purchase Washington grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
- 53 WIC agencies provide the dollar benefit and nutrition education to young families.
- 92 Washington farmers markets and approximately 700 farmers participated in the WIC FMNP.
State
Contact
Sandra Cruz
Phone: (360) 236-3660
E-mail: sandra.cruz@doh.wa.gov
Washington
State WIC Nutrition Program
The Washington State WIC Nutrition Program is an equal opportunity program.
Website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/WIC/default.htm
Toll free: 1-800-841-1410
|
