While farmers market season is gearing up, recipients of the Women Infants and Children Program (WIC) as well as seniors, will have to wait to receive benefits to use on fresh fruits and vegetables due to federal funding delays. While the program will begin later than usual this year, there are still ways for families and individuals to have access to fresh produce.
Door County WIC Director and Nutritionist Teresa Mertens, RD, CD, CLS, suggests being resourceful with produce purchases. This includes utilizing programs like FoodShare and current WIC benefits to purchase healthy food options at the store. Consumers can also choose ‘multi-use’ vegetables such as lettuce or carrots, which can be utilized for multiple meals.
“Buying fruits and vegetables in season will also help families stay within budget,” said Mertens.
While Mertens says the Door County WIC office does not have answers for WIC members about the delay at this time, these tips can help maintain access to produce ahead of summer.
In Wisconsin, the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is designed to connect those who receive WIC benefits, or qualifying seniors, with area farmers. Recipients receive a special voucher-style check they can use at participating markets. Currently, around 1,000 farmers are part of the program and many residents in Door County rely on the program to supplement their meals.
A spokesperson from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, who oversees communications about the WIC program in the state, issued the following statement to Door County Daily News:
“Reduced federal funding is the reason behind the delay. The start of the program will be pushed back a month, to July 1st at the earliest. It could be delayed further. Senior checks are also impacted, with a decrease from five $9 checks ($45 total) in 2024 to five $5 checks ($25 total) for 2025. The program is fully federally funded, and we issue 100% of the food dollars we receive. As soon as we have additional information, we will share it with our vendors and participants.”
Those enrolled in either program should watch for updates by email or text message regarding the continuance of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
