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WIC Produce Connection - Farmers Market Nutrition Program

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MDHHS
Farmers Market Nutrition Program
WIC Produce Connection

 

 

Authorized Grower Logo    WIC Authorized Grower List

 

Person purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables

History of Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), formerly known as WIC Project FRESH is now known in Michigan as WIC Produce Connection and administered by the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program. WIC FMNP 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. WIC Project FRESH was administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture as a federal pilot in Fiscal Years 1989 and 1990. The project's success led Congress to enact the Farmers' Market Nutrition Act of 1992 (P.L.102-314). The program was transferred to the Michigan Department of Community Health in November of 1992. The Department is now, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where it remains today.

WIC Produce Connection helps to provide healthy and nutritious produce to Michigan WIC clients, while fostering economic development by promoting our state's diverse agricultural products. The program provides low-income, nutritionally-at-risk WIC clients with eligible, locally grown, fresh, unprepared fruits and vegetables from Authorized Growers at farmers markets and roadside stands throughout Michigan.

 

Person purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables

 

How does the WIC Produce Connection Program work?

Person purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables

Eligible WIC clients, excluding infants, may receive benefits on their WIC EBT card to be used June 1 through November 30. Additionally, WIC Clients may use their WIC Cash Value Benefits (CVB) for fruits and vegetables at an Authorized Grower.

 

 

Image of vegetable

 

What may be purchased with WIC Produce Connection Benefits?

WIC Produce Connection benefits can only be used to buy eligible locally grown, fresh, unprepared fruits and vegetables for human consumption from Authorized Growers. WIC clients are encouraged to use all their benefits during the season. They are encouraged to buy a variety of produce rich in vitamins A, C and folic acid.

 

Kids standing by fresh fruits and vegetables

 

What may be purchased with WIC Cash Value Benefits (CVB)

With WIC CVB, any variety of fresh fruits or vegetables without added sugars, fats or oils; whole, cut, bagged or pre-packages; cilantro and parsley or pie pumpkins from Authorized Growers and roadside stands. WIC clients are encouraged to use their benefits during the season to help meet their nutritional needs.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

 

How Do WIC Participants Know Which Growers and Roadside Stands Are Authorized?

To assist clients, all Authorized Growers will display a sign stating: "WIC Produce Connection/WIC CVB Benefits Accepted Here" at their stands.

How Do Growers Become Involved with The WIC Produce Connection Program?

Growers interested in the WIC Produce Connection Program should contact 800-942-1636, Option 2 or MDHHS-ProduceConnection@michigan.gov to request an application.

How Do Clients Get WIC Produce Connection Benefits?

WIC clients wanting more information on WIC Produce Connection benefits should contact their local WIC Clinic.

National Perspective

Michigan has the thirteenth largest WIC Produce Connection program in the nation and the third largest in USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Midwest Region, which includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio.

Senior Market FRESH / Project FRESH

The Senior Market FRESH program is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services Office (formerly known as Office of Services to the Aging).

Questions about the Senior Market FRESH program should be directed Aging and Community Services a 517-241-4100 or Senior Project Fresh Program (michigan.gov)

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