KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Due to the last-minute availability of federal funds, more clients of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program in King County will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables for a limited time through the state WIC Farmers Market Program.
This program provides checks to WIC clients for redemption at authorized farmers markets in summer and fall. Previously offered on a limited basis at some WIC locations in east King County and Seattle, $20 food checks are now available for the first time in the month of September at King County WIC locations in Renton, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and Highline Midwifery.
“Our local farmers markets are overflowing with delicious, nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “Through this special opportunity, more WIC clients countywide can enjoy the healthy benefits of this program.”
Who is eligible
Checks are for WIC participants through King County WIC clinics. Locations and contact information for all WIC sites in King County are available on the web at http://www.metrokc.gov/health/nutrition/wicsites.htm.
How to get and redeem the farmers market checks
Checks must be picked up from WIC clinics before September 30, 2004. The checks can be redeemed for Washington grown fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers markets through October 31. A listing of eligible King County farmers markets is available at http://nutrition.wsu.edu/markets.
WIC participants at all sites who do not have a scheduled appointment in September may call their clinic or stop by to pick up farmers market checks. There may be a slight delay without an appointment; you may call ahead to determine the best time for pick up.
For WIC sites that are participating in this program for the first time (Renton, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, and at the Highline Midwifery), clients may pick up $20 checks during their scheduled WIC visit in September.
WIC participants in Seattle and east King County WIC clinics that have already received and used farmers market checks in July or August may be eligible for an additional packet of checks. Clients should contact their local WIC clinic with eligibility questions.
In King County, over 33,000 women, infants, and children are served every month through WIC. For more information about the WIC program in King County, including eligibility requirements, visit www.metrokc.gov/health/wic.htm; information about the statewide WIC program is available at www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/WIC.
Additional details about the Farmers Market Nutrition Program are available at http://nutrition.wsu.edu/markets. Information about the Washington Farmers Market Association is available at http://wafarmersmarkets.com
