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.

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 $420,000 in state funding and the United States Department of Agriculture provided $570,486 in federal funding, for a total of $990,486.

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 2008, local growers received $739,506 from the WIC FMNP.

The 2008 WIC FMNP

• 56,000 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.
  
• 91 Washington farmers markets and approximately 700 farmers participated in the WIC FMNP.

How the Program Works

• The program operates June through September.
  
• Clients currently enrolled in the WIC program in the following categories are eligible for FMNP checks:
  • pregnant women,
  • breastfeeding women,
  • postpartum women,
  • children from age 1 up to the 5th birthday.
  • 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.
  
• Funding is limited, so please call your local WIC clinic for details about availability.
  

State Contact
Patricia Jordan
Phone: (360) 236-3692
E-mail: patricia.jordan@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