1. From Farms to Families Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program and WIC Fruit & Veggie Vouchers Presenter: Maria Menor, Oregon WIC Program

4. From Farms to Families

5. Farm Direct Nutrition Program Seasonal-summer (June 1 st -Oct 31 st ) Provides $4 checks to income-eligible Seniors and WIC participants

6. Farm Direct Nutrition Program Eligibility WIC woman, child or infant 6+ mos. Eligible senior: At least 60 years of age Receiving SNAP or Medicaid on April 1 Not living in facility where meals are provided Monthly income < $1,226 for a single person and $1,655 for a couple Insufficient funding to serve all eligible

7. 2011 Farm Direct Nutrition Program WIC Farm Direct 28,365 recipients $20 benefit (5 $4 checks) Senior Farm Direct 31,900 recipients $32 benefit (8 $4 checks)

8. WIC Farm Direct Distribution

9. 2011 Senior notification letter

10. 2011 Senior Response Card

11. From Farms to Families …to Farms 696 Farm Direct- authorized farmers $1.2 M in Farm Direct Nutrition Program sales

12. WIC Program The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Developed to improve health outcomes

13. Oregon WIC Facts 115,000 women, infants, children/month $8.6 million in potential sales from WIC Fruit & Veggie Vouchers to authorized farmers and grocery stores

14. WIC Fruit & Veggie Vouchers Oregon authorizes farmers as of 2010 62% of 2011 Farm Direct farmers also accept WIC ¼ of WIC also receive Farm Direct checks Year-round, monthly benefit

15. WIC Fruit & Veggie Vouchers Specific voucher denominations: $5, $6, $10 Different transaction, eligible foods than Farm Direct Nutrition Program

16. The Collaboration Continues… To secure funding To increase redemption of WIC Fruit & Veggie voucher w/ farmers To prepare for eWIC!

17. Win-Win: Farmers & Markets gain: Increased Sales Expanded Customer Base

18. Win-Win Seniors & WIC Families gain: Access to great produce Nutrition Education An introduction to a new way of shopping

19. For Additional Information Oregon WIC Program: (877) 807-0889 http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/wic/index.shtml Click on Farmer link http://www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org/ Click on WIC/Senior FDNP link

20. Thank you!