Food Aid at Farmer's Markets

Each month more than 7 million people, including 45 percent of all infants born in the United States, receive benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Families who qualify for the WIC program receive coupons that allow them to buy high-protein and calcium-rich foods such as peanut butter, eggs, milk and cheese. "WIC is a good program, and it helps me a lot, but I know there are better ways to get calcium. They could offer more options than milk and cheese," says Linnea Munson, a WIC participant and recent mother. "I almost never drank milk before, but now I drink tons of milk, since that's what [WIC] offers."

According to the Produce for a Better Health Foundation, only 13 percent of America's families met the old recommended minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, much less the current nine. Shopping at farmers' markets or joining a Community Supported Agriculture Group (CSA) are great ways to eat more fruits and vegetables, and to support local and sustainable farmers. Since 1992, the USDA's Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) has offered supplemental coupons to low-income women and children certified to receive benefits through WIC. These coupons can be used at farmers' markets or to buy direct from approved farmers. In 2003, more than 2.3 million WIC recipients received farmers' markets benefits, purchasing $24.2 million worth of market produce. Recipients get no more than $20 to $30 annually in farmers' market benefits as a supplement to other purchases. However, the program's goal is to provide fresh, locally grown produce and to expand use of farmers' markets among low-income populations. Farmers' markets are also experimenting with cost-effective ways to handle Food Stamps electronic benefits cards. FMNP is available through 44 state agencies and 5 Indian tribal organizations. "I love going to farmers' markets," says Linnea, "but I didn't know WIC gave you coupons for that. I will definitely use it."

For information on WIC: www.fns.usda.gov

For FMNP in your area: www.fns.usda.gov

For farmers' markets or CSAs near you, visit: www.ams.usda.gov and
www.nal.usda.gov