The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department is pleased to announce the Women, Infant and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) will kick off July 1 in Madison County, according to a Monday morning news release from the department.
This program allows Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. “It provides WIC participants with locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables,” WIC Administrator Chris Ellis said. “It also supports local farmers and their families.”
Women and children will receive six $5 vouchers to spend at a local farmers’ market. Participants use the paper vouchers like cash. They can only be redeemed in July and August. WIC staff began issuing FMNP vouchers Monday, June 22. They can be mailed or picked up at the WIC office via curbside service by appointment.
Only authorized FMNP farmers can accept the vouchers. They will be set up at the West Tennessee Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Participants can redeem vouchers at any farmers’ market in Tennessee.
WIC provides healthy foods for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under age five. Women, infants over 4-months-old, and children who receive WIC benefits, or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification, are eligible to participate in the FMNP.
Call the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department at 731-423-3020 for more information.