WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Monthly Newsletter January 2024

Washington State Department of Health sent this bulletin at 01/04/2024 12:06 PM PST

WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Monthly Newsletter

January 2024

Welcome to Washington State’s Farmers Market Monthly Newsletter. You’re receiving this because you are associated with markets, growers, clinics, or other involved parties who serve WIC and Senior participants.

2023 Farmers Market Summary

On behalf of the Washington State Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), we want to thank everyone for what was a successful launch and first season with the new electronic benefit system. Your unwavering effort, remarkable patience, and incredible flexibility have truly made a difference in overcoming the hurdles and ensuring the season's success.

In the face of adversity, you demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, showcasing your dedication to supporting the FMNP program and providing fresh, healthy produce to your communities. Your commitment to excellence, even in the midst of changes and uncertainties, is truly commendable.

Overall, we saw an increase in FMNP redemptions at markets and farm stores across the state.

WIC FMNP brought in $446,966 (an increase of $6,890 from 2022) and Senior FMNP saw $1,814,147 (an increase of $179,299 from 2022) in electronic redemptions.

As of November, $47,439 was redeemed from WIC Cash Value Benefits (CVB), also known as the monthly fruit and vegetable benefit, which were not previously available to growers.

This was a banner year for FMNP. There were many lessons learned, through successes and challenges. Now as we embark towards 2024, it’s time to turn our attention forward to the coming season.

Market Applications Due May 1

Markets must reapply for the 2024 season. All markets that wish to participate in FMNP must submit a new market application at: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/963-123-WICSeniorFMNPMarketAgreement.pdf?uid=6529948375fd7. The deadline for market applications is May 1, 2024. For more information visit: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/wic/farmers-market/growers-markets-and-farm-stores

Upcoming Trainings

The new year is fast approaching and that means a new season of FMNP to prepare for! We will be offering our first training of the year during the Washington Farmers Market Conference in Leavenworth, WA on February 23-24, 2024. Information about this conference can be found at https://wafarmersmarkets.org/2024-conference/.

Following that conference, we will host monthly webinars in English and Spanish to prepare for the season. Market managers mandatory training will be offered through the WSFMA Food Access Forum on March 21, from 12:00pm –2:00pm. Link will be provided in the upcoming newsletters.

Technology Updates

WIC and Senior FMNP offer apps in app stores on smart devices. These apps let participants check their monthly fruit and vegetable benefits, purchase history, and find approved vendors once you register your card.

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/961-1154-WICShopperRackCard-en.pdf

Look for these logos in your app store to download the apps.

For instructions on how to download and use the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program App, click on the SFMNP Icon. For instructions on how to download and use the WIC Shopper App, click the WIC Shopper icon.

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/hcs/documents/AAA/SFMNP%20App%20Flyer%202023.pdf

Contact us at FMNPTeam@doh.wa.gov

To order supplies and materials, visit Farmers Market Nutrition Program (myprintdesk.net)

DOH 964-034