FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 29 2024
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov
WIC Farm Direct Program Teams Up with Local Ag Producers to Increase Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
WIC agencies prepare for busy summer as they celebrate the program’s 50 th anniversary
With the farmer’s market season starting up, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is inviting local farmers to sign up for the Montana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farm Direct Program to help link more families with fresh, locally grown produce.
“All farmers are welcome to join the Montana WIC Farm Direct program,” says Lacy Little, director of Montana WIC. “It is a great opportunity for farmers to get additional sales on their locally grown fruits and vegetables.”
The Farm Direct Program is a state-administered federal nutrition program that allows farmers to accept WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program Benefits (FMNP) at farmer's markets, roadside stands, or even their farms.
On average, 120 farmers participate in the program, which is currently offered in WIC agencies in the counties of Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, Cascade, Flathead, Yellowstone, Missoula, Ravalli, Big Horn, and Park. These nine local WIC offices also help administer the program.
All WIC-eligible families in participating WIC FMNP agencies can participate. Approximately 3,200 WIC families participate in Farm Direct, with most of the beneficiaries being children. Participants receive $30 worth of vouchers to use at a farmer’s market or farm stand. Because funds are allocated by participant, not by household, a mother with two young children could receive $90 for the summer. Eligible foods include fresh local fruits and vegetables.
Farmers interested in learning more can contact Glade Roos, the Farm Direct Program Coordinator, at 406-444-2841 or groos@mt.gov. They can also reach out to any of the participating WIC FMNP agencies directly.
WIC is also celebrating its 50 th anniversary this year. The first WIC clinic opened its doors in 1974 in Pineville, Kentucky.
“WIC started as a program to address malnutrition-related conditions such as severe anemia and growth concerns,” says Little. “Over the years, it has grown to help countless families access healthy food, breastfeeding education, nutrition support , and referrals to local resources.”
In 2024, Montana WIC will unveil new projects and systems to modernize the program and improve shopping and consumer experiences for WIC families.
“This is going to be an exciting year, and we hope to connect with past and present WIC families to celebrate,” said Little. “We also want to reach those families who are eligible for WIC and ensure they have the tools to enroll and access the variety of services WIC offers.”
Montana WIC is comprised of 34 local agencies and over 80 clinic sites serving all 56 counties and seven tribal reservations. Nearly 14,000 women, infants, and children are enrolled across the state.
To qualify for WIC, participants must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child younger than five years old. Participants must also meet income requirements—making less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, or qualifying for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced school meal program. Specific WIC eligibility guidelines can be found on the DPHHS website.
To learn more about WIC or find out if you are eligible, go to www.dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/wic/index . Families can also reach out to their local WIC clinic or visit www.signupwic.com. The state office may be reached at 1-800-433-4298 or via email at montanawicprogram@mt.gov.