Farmers’ market nutrition programs

underway for Missouri women, children and elderly

Fresh fruits and vegetables are in season and the state is continuing to support programs that assure these essential foods are made available to its most vulnerable populations─the low income young and old.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, both the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program are operating once again this summer. The goals are to overcome the increased risk for health problems caused by the inability of low income mothers, children and elderly to consume an adequate and appropriate diet because of limited income.

“Both the WIC and Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs work to prevent nutrition-related health problems facing Missourians today,” said Gretchen Wartman, director of the Division of Nutritional Health and Services. “We are taking the lead in providing public awareness and education regarding the importance of the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and are happy to also be taking action to increase consumption of these essential nutrients.”

Women and children, participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are eligible to receive $18 worth of coupons per season, which may be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and culinary herbs at participating farmers’ markets around the state.

Also, seniors 60 years and older may receive the coupons if their annual income for a single individual is $16,613 or less ($22,422 or less for a married couple). Eligible seniors receive $36 worth of checks per season and the checks are good until Oct. 31, the end of the season in Missouri.

Both the WIC and the seniors programs are available in the following counties—Boone, Cole, Greene, Howard, Lawrence, Lafayette, Oregon, Platte, Washington, and Jackson (including Kansas City).

Individuals wishing to take advantage of these state nutrition programs may obtain additional information by calling the administrators of the program, Nutritional Health and Services at 1-800-392-8209, 1-573-751-6204 or at http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/fmnp/index.html.

Applications for the 2003 season are being mailed to all individuals who applied in 2002.

Applications are also available at http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/dnhs_pdfs/R_FMNP_NHS-WIC-80_sr_app.pdf or local public health agencies and local WIC providers.

"This is definitely an innovative and winning partnership," said Lowell Mohler, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. "These farmers' markets programs not only aid seniors and families with young children by providing access to fresh, home-grown fruits and vegetables,
but Missouri farmers stand to gain from the additional demand for their products. Plus, the money spent locally ultimately benefits rural communities."

For more information on these programs, call 1-800-392-8209 or visit the NHS Web site at www.dhss.state.mo.us/MissouriNutrition.

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