Those participating in the WIC program can obtain fresh foods through a farmer’s market voucher, which can be used at the Tuscarawas Valley or Uhrichsville Farmer’s Markets.
The Women, Infants & Children program is administered through the Ohio Department of Health, providing supplemental food, nutrition, and other education.
ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff says healthy eating is an essential step to address obesity risks and chronic illnesses, but not all are able to readily obtain fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Barriers such as a lack of income, a lack of full service grocery stores in their neighborhood, or a lack of reliable transportation can limit an individual or a family’s food choices.”
In 2024, 70 Ohio counties have WIC participating farmer’s markets and in Tuscarawas County, vouchers can be used at the weekly Wednesday Tuscarawas Valley Farmer’s Market and at the every second and fourth Friday market in Uhrichsville.
“It’s a program dedicated to helping communities increase access to health food and to create more opportunities for active living. Ohio WIC has included an added benefit called the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, which provides coupons to our WIC participants specifically to be used for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at their local farmers market.”
Vanderhoff adds that the WIC Farmer’s Market is federal funded but distributed through the Ohio Department of Health.
“How it works is that WIC recipients can receive one booklet of six $5 coupons. The coupons can be used through October 31st.”
WIC vouchers are available for eligible participants at the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2024