The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to eligible New Jersey WIC participants.
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program reinforces the importance of using locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs for the nutritional health of New Jersey’s women, infants, children, and expands the awareness and use of the local farmers’ market. The program also promotes the financial growth of the local farmers.
The New Jersey WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program started in 1994 as a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services - New Jersey WIC Services, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
To be eligible to receive WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits, women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding (up to 1 year) and children two to five years of age must be eligible WIC participants. The number of WIC participants that will receive WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits each season is based on available funds.
Income Eligibility Guidelines |
(Effective from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) |
Household Size |
Your household is eligible if your total income is less than … |
Annual |
Monthly |
Twice-Monthly |
Bi-Weekly |
Weekly |
1 |
20,036 |
1,670 |
835 |
771 |
386 |
2 |
26,955 |
2,247 |
1,124 |
1,037 |
519 |
3 |
33,874 |
2,823 |
1,412 |
1,303 |
652 |
4 |
40,793 |
3,400 |
1,700 |
1,569 |
785 |
5 |
47,712 |
3,976 |
1,988 |
1,836 |
918 |
6 |
54,631 |
4,553 |
2,277 |
2,102 |
1,051 |
7 |
61,550 |
5,130 |
2,565 |
2,368 |
1,184 |
8 |
68,469 |
5,706 |
2,853 |
2,634 |
1,317 |
Each Add'l Member Add |
6,919 |
577 |
289 |
267 |
134 |
Each eligible WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program participant receives four $5.00 checks (a total of $20.00 for the season) to purchase fruits, vegetables and herbs from authorized farmers. Grocery stores and other markets cannot accept WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks. The checks are issued one time for the entire season.
New Jersey WIC Services determines the length of operation of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program each season. For 2009, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program will run from June 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009. Grocery stores and other markets cannot accept Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks. The checks are issued at one time for the entire season
To participate in the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, farmers must grow at least 35% of the produce sold to WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program participants. The remainder of the produce must be purchased from other participating farmers in New Jersey or neighboring states.
Qualified farmers from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware may participate in the program.
For additional information, please contact your local WIC agency and ask for information regarding the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
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Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children
