Local WIC families part of growing Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program in Ohio this summer
Across the state, leaders are attempting to bring healthy food and farm-to-table options to low-income families, women and children.
The Ohio WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a voucher program now open to already-enrolled WIC families in more counties than ever.
This summer, 70 out of 88 counties in Ohio host farmers markets where sellers are part of the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
The growth of the program over the last 10 years has been a “win-win,” according to Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health.
“First, we are getting more fresh produce into the hands of people in Ohio who need it,” said Dr. Vanderhoff. “We’re supporting Ohio farms, many of whom are running relatively small and perhaps family owned businesses. This is a way to boost the local economy, and also honors Ohio’s rich agricultural heritage.”
How does it work?
The program provides each WIC participant with a booklet of six coupons worth $5 each to use at the farmer’s markets.
The coupons don’t have to all be used at one market, according to Kim Beckley, program manager at Trumbull County WIC.
The $30 can be used any time this summer until Oct. 31 on top of current WIC benefits.
Vouchers are used for fresh fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs at local markets, like the Warren and Howland markets in Trumbull County.
“We only distribute them at the farmers markets,” said Beckley. “We have a lot of interest. So people have been asking, and we haven’t received the vouchers from the state yet, but people keep asking. It’s a nice opportunity for folks.”
Across the state, local WIC agencies recruit farmers to participate in the program. After farmers receive WIC coupons from customers, they redeem those with the Ohio WIC program and are paid.
Last year, ODH’s Ohio WIC program paid $575,920 to farmers who participated in the farmer’s market program.
“Programs like the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program are an important way to try to improve those statistics, and hopefully help more Ohioans live full and healthy lives,” Dr. Vanderhoff said.
Local WIC Farmer’s Market programs
In Trumbull County, already-enrolled WIC families can stop by the markets for their vouchers which are expected to be in by the second week of July.
The Howland Farmers Market is every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., and the Warren Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 3 - 6 p.m.
“People are excited about the opportunity and it’s always fun for us to to be there,” said Beckley. “A lot of times, moms will bring the kids with them and we’ll get to ask the kids ‘What are you gonna go get?’ and they’ll come back and show us what they got with their vouchers. They are excited to have more fruits and vegetables for their families.”
Call the office at (330) 539-1010 for more information.
Mahoning County residents can contact the Youngstown WIC at (234) 855-1575.
They’re located at 345 Oak Hill Avenue in Youngstown.
Similar programs are offered through the state, like the Ohio Department of Aging’s Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program which is open to Ohioans over 60 years old.
Benefits of farmers market food options for healthy living
“Fruits and vegetables should be about half of plate in a well balanced meal,” said Dr. Courtney Batt, an adolescent medicine and obesity expert with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s. “Fruits and vegetables contain necessary vitamins and other important nutrients. One example of those is fiber, which has many benefits, including helping with digestion, helping people to feel full to prevent overeating.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only four in 10 children and 1 in 7 adults nationally eat the recommended daily allowance of fruit.
Fewer than 1 in 10 Americans of any age eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables.
“Continuing to expose kids to new fruits and vegetables is also important without forcing them to eat complete plate of those foods. That helps kids eventually get used to new foods and eating a variety of foods,” said Dr. Batt. “We really encourage what we call ‘eating the rainbow.’ Eat all different colors of fruits and vegetables to help get those necessary vitamins and nutrients.”