WIC farmer’s market program
In keeping with my “eat local” theme, here’s some good news about WIC. Though it’s been argued that eating fresh, local organic food is more expensive than eating processed foods, the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which has been around since 1992, offers women and children who receive WIC services the option to use coupons to purchase food at farmer’s markets. 45 states participate in this program and each state agency has a list of eligible purchases.
I had no idea programs like this existed. The food choices my teenage students made for themselves while they were pregnant were appalling. Since they generally left school late in their third trimesters I can’t really say what happened after, but I imagine chips and fast food made an appearance on the dinner table more than fresh, locally grown produce, probably because it was readily available. Most farmers markets don’t set up shop in low-income urban areas. Availability aside, it’s good to know that WIC at least offers its recipients the option to choose foods other than formula, peanut butter and processed American cheese. I understand that WIC has to have strict nutritional guidelines for eligible purchases, but from an outsider’s perspective it seems a shame that so many organic, pesticide free fruits and vegetables available at supermarkets are ineligible. The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program is a great choice for women trying to raise healthy children if they have access to participating farmers markets.
A similar program exists for low income seniors, so if the seniors in your life tend to complain that fruit doesn’t taste like it used to, tell them they’re right and that they may be eligible for grants to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
WIC, eat local, low-income seniors, farmers markets
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June 19th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Well I had heard that WIC had started doing that but when I joined back up with WIC I haven’t received anything like that. Maybe we don’t qualify? I’m not sure how that works but I’ll be asking them at my next WIC appointment. Thanks for this!
Also…I’m tagging you to write seven unusual facts about yourself…here’s the link to mine…
http://www.about-sandiegoca.com/seven-unusual-facts-about-me/
June 20th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Okay, this is pretty awesome. It’s always made me sad that crap food is so much cheaper than good food. It’s not right.
August 1st, 2007 at 3:37 am
My sister live in Miami for the past year, she just give birth to her daughter premature 8 moth .She is been unemployment for the past couple month. I been helping her . She is a single Mom with no family in Florida. Been far as I am in very discouraged on my efforts to help from here.
I writing for her she in need of support, guides about her future job education,food, stuff for her new baby and stuff for her.
I been trying every day of located an organization just like your.
My sister need some help urgent.
I am looking forward for your respond.
Much Mahalo
Giselle Loero