By Cintia Castillo, Nutrition Education Tech
Spring is in the air, and also in our local farmers markets! The kale and potatoes offered through the winter have made way for brighter colors with sweet and spicy peppers, peaches, tomatoes, berries, summer squash, and cucumbers. Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is important for a healthy diet, and farmers markets are the perfect place to “taste the rainbow.”
As more fruits and vegetables become available, you will have easier access to a variety of nutrients at your local farmers market. Taking advantage of benefit programs can help you stretch your dollars further and put more fresh produce on your family’s plates with every meal.
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) consists of providing six $5 vouchers (for a total of $30) to WIC participants to buy fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from approved farmers in DC from June to October.
In the past, the vouchers were distributed on June 1 by local WIC agencies, including Mary’s Center. This year, however, distribution will be later than expected due to the energy that was needed for the successful migration to the new eWIC card system. DC Health will mail the FMNP vouchers when available and notify WIC participants via text.
In the meantime, we are encouraging families to apply for the Produce Plus program and to speak with their local markets about additional benefits they may be eligible for. Families can apply for Produce Plus here. Eligible families will receive $40 per month from June to September to spend at local farmers markets.
Spread the word about these programs to support access to fresh fruits and vegetables for all!
Learn more about healthy eating through the WIC program offered at Mary’s Center. This is a special program for pregnant mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 that offers nutritional benefits and food in the form of WIC checks and cash value for fruits and vegetables. Each participant is also provided with nutrition counseling and breastfeeding counseling. Call us at 202-232-6679 for more information or to learn if you are eligible.