Training Seminars Launched for new WIC Program; Benefits Farmers, Participants

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 3, 2010) – This year, the Maryland WIC (Women Infants and Children) Program is offering a new  benefit that  enables WIC participants to purchase fresh produce at farmers’ markets. Mandatory one-day training programs are now underway for farmers who want to become authorized by the Maryland WIC Program to accept WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks (FVCs) at participating farmers’ markets.

The new WIC FVC program  is in addition to the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s existing Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program for WIC clients and seniors (FMNP) and will allow farmers to serve an expanded customer base by selling fresh produce to participants all year long.

The new WIC FVC provides moms with $10.00 a month and $6.00 per child for the purchase of fruits and vegetables all year long while the existing WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program issues $18 worth of checks for the five month season. The Maryland WIC Program is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children under 5.

As a farmers’ market vendor, you can accept the new WIC checks once you complete the following steps:

•    Complete and return a Farmer’s Application.

•    Read and sign the Agreement for Farmer to Accept WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks.

•    Attend a mandatory 1 hour training session.

Training will be held on multiple dates in March and April throughout the State. For more information about the new WIC Farmers program, including the application form, agreement, and dates and locations of training seminars, visit http://fha.maryland.gov/wic/wic_farmers.cfm or contact James A. Butler at 410-767-5258.

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