Maine WIC Farmer News, Winter 2022-2023

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Winter 2022-2023      

We did it! In our first season redeeming electronic benefits using the S3ML App, we did $9,555 in WIC and $89,868 in FMNP for a total of $99,423. We are so impressed by all your performance. You give 150% in your work and dedication to Maine Families! Honestly, you are such an inspiration to us all.  Thank you from the Maine WIC Team Top

Eat More
Fruits and Vegetables Award

This award is given to our top three eFMNP farmers for providing the most wholesome fruits and vegetables to Maine Families. 

Blackie's Farm Fresh Produce, Auburn Well stablished Blackie's received 1st award. A local food hub in Auburn, ME that provides quality, low cost produce and other locally produced goods to our community.

Goranson Farm, Bath, Boothbay, Damariscotta, & Portland Dedicated to providing nutrient-dense food to the local community and stewarding historic farmland on the banks of Merrrymeeting Bay.

McDougal Orchards, Sanford A seventh generation (going on eighth!) family farm specializing in the production of tree fruit.

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Family Feedback
Maine Families Love Maine WIC Farmers

After our first season on electronic FMNP we surveyed our WIC participants and this is what they shared.

“It's really nice to be able to support farmers and get fresh foods it's important for kids to see the difference between food at the grocery store and what the food looks like straight from the farm and often it tastes different. It's important for them to see where it comes from. It's also an amazing family outing to be able to go pick strawberries or apples or blueberries at a farm and be able to use your food benefits to do it. It's a great way to spend quality time together too.”

“I love and appreciate the fact that this was made available to me, I am able to use my benefits to buy locally grown fruits and veggies as well as support small businesses. Thank you!”

“Deff enjoyed bringing the littles to the farm and picking the items with my littles”

“The farmers market farmers were so nice and helpful. It was definitely a friendly environment”

“Thank you for having this program. My son loved going to the farmers market and exploring all of the new and the familiar veggies.”

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Now it is your turn We would like to sincerely thank those who have already completed the FMNP 2022 Farmer Feedback. And I would like to sincerely urge each of you who have not yet completed the survey to please do so.

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WIC Farmer Portal Is Up and running! Now Maine Farmers can complete the WIC application or the annual update online. Fist time users create an account using the same email address on file with Maine WIC Nutrition Program. For instructions please see page 7 of the  Farmer Training Guide.   Top

Training Dates Face to Face AG Trades Show Augusta Civic Center Tuesday 1/10 at 9:30  Thursday 1/12 at 9:30 Web session via Teams Meeting:  Tuesday 2/21 at 1pm Thursday 2/23 at 10am Tuesday 2/28 at 10am Thursday 3/2 at 1pm

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The Proposed WIC Food Package USDA will be soliciting public comments on the proposed rule for 90 days, ending on February 21, 2023.WIC stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments.  History of the food packages back to the 2003 Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM). Friendly reminder, you can continue to redeem eWIC Cash Value Benefits (CVB) for fresh produce year round.  Top

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Non-Discrimination Statement

Maine WIC Nutrition Program
Department of Health & Human Services
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
286 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-3991   1-800-437-9300
TTY: Maine Relay 711

email: WICVendor@maine.gov
website: Maine.gov/WIC