Columbus, Ohio – During a virtual press conference, Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, highlighted the growth and benefits of ODH’s WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which has expanded significantly, from 57 counties 10 years ago to markets in 70 counties across the state today.
The program provides WIC participants with a coupon booklet to redeem for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at participating farmers’ markets. This initiative not only promotes healthy eating habits among WIC recipients, but also supports local farmers, many of whom are small, family-owned businesses. Dr. Vanderhoff emphasized that this boosts Ohio’s economy while honoring its agricultural traditions.
WIC participants are given a booklet with six $5 coupons to use at farmers markets from June 1 through October 31. Local WIC agencies work with farmers, who then use the coupons for payment through the Ohio WIC program. Last year alone, the Ohio WIC program paid $575,920 to farmers through this effort.
One farmer who has benefited from the program is Brynn Byrd, co-owner of Byrd’s Haven Farm near Granville in Licking County. Reflecting on the program’s impact, Byrd shared how the program resonates with her family’s history of donating available produce through food assistance programs.
Funded by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program complements other Ohio initiatives, including the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and SNAP benefits at farmers markets, which aim to improve access to nutritious foods and combat health issues such as obesity and chronic disease.
Citing national statistics showing that people are not meeting recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables, Dr. Vanderhoff highlighted the program’s role in improving eating habits across the state, highlighting its potential to help more Ohioans live healthier lives.
For more information about the program and its impacts, visit the Ohio Department of Health website or contact your local WIC agency.
