Low-income pregnant women and mothers eat more fresh fruits and vegetables when they are allowed to use WIC coupons (the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) at farmers’ markets, a recent University of California study showed. These coupons are in addition to food stamps and are aimed at encouraging low-income women and their children to eat a healthy diet.
Over half of all farmers’ markets in the United States participate in WIC, food stamp, and local or state nutrition programs. In addition, 25 percent of the nation’s farmers’ markets are involved in gleaning programs that distribute food to needy families.
The Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Pilot Program is a new USDA program to provide coupons to low-income seniors that may be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. The $10 million program will benefit an estimated 370,000 low-income seniors, providing them with transportation to and from the markets through a partnership with senior centers or arrangements with local growers to take their produce directly to senior housing.
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