Ministries to launch e-farmer market nutrition program in 2024
Also working with vendors, Healthy Together and Maryland Market Money
Annapolis, Maryland (May 21, 2024) – of Maryland Department of Agriculture announced a partnership with Stay healthy togetherIt is a technology company that provides software as a service (SaaS) to government agencies, but Farmers Market Nutrition Program For the 2024 season, this program Maryland Department of Health And that Maryland Department of Aging Provide to participants Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) The program is an annual benefit aimed at seniors with limited resources that connects participants directly with farmers at farmers markets and produce stands.
“Ultimately, this will make the program more user-friendly by allowing farmers and federal food benefit recipients to access their funds more easily on their smartphones and tablets,” he said. Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticus“We’re excited to provide these groups with a better way to access fresh, locally grown produce.”
FMNP-certified farmers who sell fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and farm stands across the state will be able to move away from a paper check-based system. Healthy Together It is an app that can be downloaded onto iOS and Android devices to process payments electronically. Farmers can use their phone or tablet to scan the QR code for payment from the participant’s mobile device’s web browser or from a card with the QR code printed on it. The mobile application continues to work even when there is limited connectivity or the app is offline.
“The Department of Agriculture and Stay healthy together “We thank them for coming up with creative ideas to make farmers market nutrition programs more relevant in today’s digital world.” Carmel Roquez, Commissioner of the Maryland Department of Aging” Stay healthy together “The app for accessing fresh, in-season, locally grown produce will help seniors with limited resources have better access to nutritious food options while supporting community agriculture across the state.”
moreover, Maryland Market Money The program also Stay healthy together By introducing Healthy Together Market match solutions are provided to the program, the Maryland Money Market, a statewide food access program administered by the S.Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commissionoffers financial incentives for federal nutrition benefits, including FMNP, consumed at participating farmers markets and farms. These incentives can be used on any eligible food purchase. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) are available at participating Maryland Money Market access points. This incentive helps stretch customers’ food budgets to purchase fresh, healthy, locally grown foods while directly supporting local farmers and producers.
“Maryland Department of Agriculture and Stay healthy together “This is another example of Maryland finding innovative ways to serve our residents in need.” Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott“The Ministry of Health is committed to working with partners to ensure this transition is smooth and improves access to nutritious, locally produced foods.”
Our department is: Stay healthy together We will provide virtual training and resources on the new FMNP payment process. During the training, licensed farmers will learn how to download the application, create an account, process payments, and add other users. To ensure the transition to electronic is as smooth as possible, the program start date will be July 1. MDA will provide virtual training on electronic FMNP every Monday in June at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and every Tuesday in June at 9:00 AM. Register for the training using this link and you will receive the Zoom link and calendar invite. The department will work with the Department of Health, local WIC agencies, senior community agencies, and farmers markets to train as many people as possible on how to use the new system.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Servin, Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coordinator, at sara.servin@maryland.gov or Heather Hulsey, Maryland Money Market & Food Access Program Manager, at hhulsey@smadc.com.
# # #
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter/X @mdsbest or Facebook @MdsBestAg.
