WIC participants can shop at farmers markets!

[jujubee]

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FMNP/FMNPfaqs.htm#1)



Eligible WIC participants are issued FMNP coupons in addition to their regular WIC food instruments. These coupons can be used to buy fresh, unprepared fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers, farmers' markets or roadside stands that have been approved by the State agency to accept FMNP coupons. The farmers, farmers’ markets or roadside stands then submit the coupons to the bank or State agency for reimbursement. The Federal food benefit level for FMNP recipients may not be less than $10 and no more than $30 per year, per recipient. However, State agencies may supplement the benefit level.


I heard about this on NPR yesterday, and I had no idea a program like this existed. I just totally think this is so awesome!

Do we have any members who have used this program and can share their experiences?

[queenofthehivemomof5]

I had not heard about this program. Although...there are no farmers markets or roadside stands here either....

I learned the other day that you can buy fruit and vegetable seeds and plants with your foodstamp card. Thought that was interesting (although maybe off topic?)

[JANE4girls]

wow, I dont participate in WIC but this is good to know for those who do!

[luvmykitten]

I have bought vegetable plants and :garden8: with a food stamps before. I thought it included soil too but it doesn't. It's the USDA that actually does the FS program btw. When I had WIC I was given the certificates to useat the farmers market but was unable to find the who/what/when/where. :( They are issued in summer I think. :harried1:
.

[OHeather]

Bumping in the hopes of more FM opening up--at least in the south there should be some. This sounds like a great program.

[oldtreehugginhippie]

Even though WIC is a federal program , the guidelines vary from state to state. North Carolina WIC recipients get enfamil w/lipil formula which is the next best thing to mothers milk. But here in Virginia they get Similac which is low man on the totem pole. Virginia got a 5 year contract with Similac, which was cheaper then the infamil so they took it. it was no concern to our state that infamil was by far a better product for the babies and most chose by dietitians at the WIC offices. they did it because it they could save money. I have a friend that is a dietician and in charge of wic in one of our cities here in Virginia, she has told me all about the way it works. It is a real shame that they do this. they also use geographical measures for which places get what. some areas might get more on their WIC then others as well as food stamps. it is not a one size fits all. it is different based on state and locality. Let's face it. Groceries in California or new york city cost more then they do in small town USA. like where I live. in the summers the produce is dirt cheap. but it isn't like that in the cities and they have to pay huge amounts for their fresh produce, so it is only fair that this law is in place. I am sure if there are vouchers for fruits and produce it is geared more towards people that live in areas that can go to those places. I am really surprised that they gave these benefits to somebody that couldn't use them. that had not farmers markets or farm stands. that was a waste of money because those vouchers went un-used and could have gone to help a poor family that lives in the county where they could have been used easily. sometimes the government just doesn't make good sense.

[mayabugmommy]

i am now living in texas moved in from california and i am wondering why in texas WIC, a state that lives off the land does not allow ORGANIC baby food like they do in california WIC? why is that texas doesnt believe that our babies are worth not poisoning??

dissappointed in TX WIC,

MayaBugMommy