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WIC Project FRESH - Farmer's Market Nutrition Program
The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is known in Michigan as Project FRESH and administrated by the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. WIC Project FRESH 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 Health and Human Services (formerly known as Michigan Department of Community Health) in November of 1992 where it remains today.
WIC Project FRESH 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 farmers, farmers' markets and roadside stands throughout Michigan.
How Do WIC Project FRESH Coupons Work?
Enrolled WIC clients, excluding infants, may be eligible to receive a $30 booklet containing six, $5 coupons to be used June 1st through October 31st in the year the booklet is issued. It is the responsibility of the WIC local agency staff to identify eligible clients and issue coupons at either the local WIC agencies, farmers' markets, or roadside stands.
What May Be Purchased With WIC Project FRESH Coupons?
WIC Project FRESH coupons can only be used to buy eligible, locally grown, fresh, unprepared fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers, farmers' markets and roadside stands. WIC clients are encouraged to use all their coupons during the season to help meet their special nutritional needs. They 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 WIC Participants Know Which Farmers' Markets Are Authorized?
To assist clients, all authorized farmers, farmers' markets, and roadside stands, will have a laminated yellow poster stating: "Project FRESH Coupons Accepted Here" posted at their stands. In FY 2019, 1,373 Michigan farmers, 146 Michigan farmers' markets, and 140 roadside stands were authorized to accept WIC Project FRESH coupons. WIC Project FRESH served more than 27,000 clients through 48 local health agencies in 77 counties in Michigan.
How Do Farmers Become Involved In The WIC Project FRESH Program?
Farmers, Farmers' Markets, and Roadside stands interested in the WIC Project FRESH Program should contact Michelle Moore at 517-335-8632 or at MDHHS-WICProjectFRESH@michigan.gov
How Do Clients Get WIC Project FRESH Coupon Booklets?
WIC clients wanting more information on WIC Project FRESH coupons must contact their local WIC Clinic.
National Perspective
Michigan has the thirteenth largest WIC Project FRESH 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. Michigan had a 60% redemption rate during the 2016 season and looks forward to growth in the coming years!
Senior Project FRESH / Market 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 at 517-241-4100 or Senior Project Fresh Program (michigan,gov).
Resources
- Yellow WIC Project FRESH Accepted Here Sign
- Michigan WIC Fruits and Vegetables Availability Guide
- State of Michigan SIGMA Vendor Self Service (VSS)
- WIC Project FRESH Eligible Items
- WIC Project FRESH Farmers Market Brochure MDHHS Pub 1355
Nutrition Education Resources
- Project FRESH Self-Directed Nutrition Education Module/Lesson Plan
- What is WIC Project FRESH Video 1
- What is WIC Project FRESH Video 2
- What is WIC Project FRESH Video 3