West Virginia WIC program extends its cash benefits to include farmers markets

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The West Virginia WIC program’s monthly cash value benefits for purchasing produce will now be accepted at eligible farmers markets. This new change will start on June 1, 2024.

“The WIC Farm Market Direct mobile payment system has many benefits for both WV WIC participants and local farmers. It simplifies the purchasing process for participants, reduces stigma by functioning like other mobile pay options, streamlines payments to farmers and farmers markets, provides real-time data for review and analysis, and ensures efficient and secure management of federal funds and benefits,” said Heidi Staats, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services.

The monthly WIC benefits for produce are $26 for children, $47 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for women who are fully and partially breastfeeding. $30 is the maximum for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and can be used for eligible participants from June 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024.

Eligible participants for this program will have a QR Code through the WICShopper Mobile App , that can be used at these farmers markets. Through WIC Farm Market Direct, authorized farmers can scan this when customers are buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers can get a direct deposit this way making the process easier.

Currently, 136 farmers are participating in the WV WIC program. A list of farmers and farmers markets participating in the program can be found on the WV WIC website.

Farmers interested in becoming approved for the WV WIC program can visit dhhr.wv.gov/WIC/retailersfarmers or contact the WV WIC Vendor Unit at 304-558-1115 or dhhrwicvu@wv.gov.

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