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Season Winter 2023-2024
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We did it Again!
In our 2nd season redeeming electronic benefits using the S3ML App, we did $9,221.07 in WIC and $100,465.31 in FMNP for a total of $109,686.38. Last year's combined total of WIC & FMNP was $99,424. Way to go farmers. That is an increase over last years combined total of WIC and FMNP of $10,262.34.
We are so impressed with all of you for learning this new way of redeeming WIC benefits. You continue to provide stellar service and give 150% in your work that is dedicated to Maine Families! You are such an inspiration to all of us.
Thank you from the
Maine WIC Team
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Training Dates 2024
Face to Face AG Trades Show Augusta Civic Center
- Tuesday 1/9 at 9:00am - Hancock Room
- Wednesday 1/10 at 11:00am - Hancock Room
- Thursday 1/11 at 11:00am - Hancock Room
Web session via Teams Meeting:
- Tuesday 2/20 at 10:00am
- Thursday 2/22 at 1:00pm
- Tuesday 2/27 at 1:00pm
- Thursday 2/29 at 10:00am
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2023 Eat More
Fruits and Vegetables Award
Award certificates were provided to our top ten FMNP/CVB benefit redeemers for 2023. Thank you to all the participating farmers for redeeming FMNP/CVB and for providing the most wholesome fruits and vegetables to Maine Families. You are All-Stars.
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Top 10 Redeemers
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| Blackie's Farm Fresh Produce, Auburn |
| Goranson Farm, Dresden |
| Alewives Brook Farm, Cape Elizabeth |
| Goughan's Berry Farm, Caribou |
| Girard Farm, Waterboro |
| Fresh Start Farm Ahmed, Lewiston |
| Marr Pond Farm, Sangerville |
| McDougal Orchards, Springvale |
| Dig Deep Farm, South China |
| Moodytown Gardens, Palmyra |
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Maine Families - FMNP Survey 2023
After our second season with electronic FMNP, we surveyed our WIC participants again and here are a few of the questions and their responses.
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1. WIC staff told me about the health benefits of eating locally grown Maine fruits & veggies?
Yes 177 No 51
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2. Did you know that you can use your monthly fruit and veggie benefit (Cash Value Benefit/CVB) at certain farms, farmers markets, and farm stands year-round?
Yes 123 No 106
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3. Do you plan to use your CVB at farms, farmers markets, and farm stands year- round?
Yes 145 No 81
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4. Is there anything else you would like to share with WIC about FMNP and CVB at farmers markets?
We should have more farmers market benefits than anything else.
I love the ability to shop locally for produce grown in my own state.
I love the extra benefit but please store it on the wic card instead. The app was glitchy and did not work.
The quality is way better then the grocery store. There are some areas that there are not enough farms/markets. The nearest to me is 45 minutes away. So we were unable to use our benefit which is too bad cause we definitely would take advantage of it if there were locations near us
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Farmer Survey - FMNP 2023
Thank you to the farmers who have completed the FMNP 2023 Farmer Survey. Your feedback helps us to create and improve training materials that will be beneficial to everyone.
1. How would you evaluate the overall success of the 2023 Farmers Market Nutrition Program Season?
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Poor 18
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Okay 10
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Undecided 2
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Good 17
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Excellent 3
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2. Rate your overall satisfaction with our current eWIC process.
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Poor 22
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Okay 11
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Undecided 3
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Good 13
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Excellent 1
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3. Did you know that you are able to continue redeeming eWIC Cash Value Benefits (CVB) for fresh produce year round?
4. Share your suggestions for improving the 2024 Farmers Market Season?
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It appears that shoppers need better education about the bnft app. I have been able to help customers in the moment to download and log on but a busier market might struggle.
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No mid-season changes to the procedure
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It's pretty good. My WIC sales were down this year which was disappointing but I'm not sure what to do about that. Overall, since you've gone to eWIC my wic sales are better. I don't really think the software is very good, it's finicky, shutting down sometimes while in use. Also, having two wic apps is confusing to customers. I also don't think wic users know that their farm benefits roll over to the next month (they do, right?) and don't always know they can use regular wic benefits for fruit and veg at the market and with farmers.
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Make it easier to do.
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WIC Farmer Portal
Please note that the Maine WIC farmer portal will be under construction the first week of January 2024. A new URL will be updated on our website January 8th and will be provided to our farmers as needed to complete updates. You will need to update your bookmark on your device if you saved it previously.
Maine Farmers will be able to complete the WIC application or the annual update online after 1/8/2024
To access the Farmer Portal visit Maine.gov/WIC and review the Farmer Section.
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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
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