What Is Project FRESH?
Project FRESH is a program that makes fresh produce available to low-income, nutritionally-at-risk consumers, by using Michigan farmers' markets.

History Of Project FRESH
The program was started in 1986 in several states across the country. In 1988, Congress authorized a three-year demonstration project to test the concept in 10 states. The project's success led Congress to enact the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Act of 1992 (P.L.102-314). Project FRESH was administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture as a federal pilot in FY'89 and FY'90. After a two-year hiatus, on June 1, 1993, the program was transferred to the Michigan Department of Community Health, where it remains today.

Funding And Service Trends In Michigan
In FY 2005, Project FRESH resources consisted of $515,490 in federal funding and $61,675 in local, private, in-kind/similar program and WIC program income funding.    These resources were targeted to serve more than 38,000 clients through 44 local health agencies in 75 counties. Michigan's Project FRESH program must meet a 30 percent matching requirement on administrative cost.  This requirement is met through a variety of private and state funding sources.

Project FRESH Administration Project FRESH is administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Michigan State University Extension/Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Family Nutrition Program (MSUE/EFNEP and FNP). Local health agencies and MSU extension offices statewide deliver Project FRESH services to certified WIC participants.

Who Is Eligible For Project FRESH Coupons? Women and children (ages 1-4) currently enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program can get coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables. Women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding are targeted to help meet their special nutritional needs.

How Are Project FRESH Coupons Issued? WIC local agency staff identify eligible participants and issue coupons at the agency.

How Do Project FRESH Coupons Work?Each client receives a $20 booklet of ten $2 coupons to be used June 1 through October 31 in the year the booklet is issued. Coupons can only be used to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers' markets.

How Do Participants Know Which Farmers' Markets Are Authorized?
All farmers participating in Project Fresh will have a laminated yellow poster stating: "Project FRESH Coupons Accepted Here." In FY 2005, 76 Michigan farmers' markets and roadsie stands were authorized to accept Project Fresh coupons.

What May Be Purchased With Project FRESH Coupons?
Participants may buy locally grown fresh fruits or vegetables, but are especially encouraged to buy broccoli, carrots, potatoes, squash, peaches, apples and tomatoes. A variety of produce rich in vitamins A, C, and folic acid are emphasized.

How Do Participants Learn About FRESH Produce?
Project FRESH participants receive a 15-20 minute food and nutrition presentation. Presentations may include a food demonstration and taste test of recipes prepared with fresh fruits and vegetables. A nutrition education video may also be shown.

How Do Participants Receive More Nutrition Education?
They are given an opportunity to enroll in Michigan State University Extension EFNEP and FNP classes. EFNEP/FNP uses an "Eating Right Is Basic" (ERIB) approach to teach basic nutrition concepts, food-buying skills, proper food storage, sanitation and management of available resources. Project FRESH also collaborates with the 5-A-Day campaign and distributes 5-A-Day for Better Health materials to Project FRESH clients.

How Many People Participate In Project FRESH?
In FY 2005, more than 38,000 WIC clients participated in Project FRESH.

How Many Farmers Participate In Project FRESH?
761 Michigan farmers participated in Project FRESH in 2005.

How Many Counties Have Project FRESH?
In FY 2005, 75 counties were involved.

How Do Farmers Become Involved In The Project FRESH Program? Interested farmers should contact Pam Gove before June 30^th of each year at (517) 335-8996.

National Perspective
Michigan has the thirteenth largest Project FRESH program in the nation and the third largest in USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Midwest Region V, which includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Ohio. In March 2000, the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service declared Michigan's Project FRESH a Program of Excellence. Michigan enjoyed a 70% redemption rate during the 2005 season.

Senior Project FRESH

The Senior Project FRESH program is administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Services to the Aging, in partnership with the WIC program.  Specified Senior Centers will issue coupons to eligible seniors.  Questions on this program should be directed to Sherri King at (517) 373-4064.