Missouri Department of Agriculture expands farmers market programs to seniors, WIC
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The state Department of Agriculture this week unveiled two USDA-funded programs that will allow seniors and mothers to use food benefits at farmers markets.
The programs are meant to help low-income people have access to locally-grown produce. However, it also provides benefits for farmers across the state.
Farmers like Erica Mantle of The Veggie Patch. Mantle told ABC 17 that The Veggie Patch has received an increase in sales because of these programs.
“The first year was a little bit rough, Mantle admitted. “Not many people knew about it but by the next year, last year, and this year I’ve already had people coming up and asking me about it. I love it.”
The two programs are called the Missouri Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WICFMNP). Both of these programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
According to a release from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, low-income seniors in Kansas City, St Louis, Springfield and Mid-Missouri can apply. Benefits include being allowed to buy up to $50 in eligible items from an authorized Missouri farmers market or roadside stand.
Each individual in the WIC program receives $20 in benefits.
Seniors can apply in the following locations at the Aging Best Agency on Aging in Columbia by calling 573-443-5823.
The Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Grown team has trained and authorized nearly 200 farmers to participate in the program, according to the news release.
"Really this program is a great opportunity for farmers because it creates more market opportunities for them at the farmers market and also the roadside stands," Taylor Tuttle, a program manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture told ABC 17.
To become an authorized vendor a farmer must live and grow in Missouri or a Kansas or Illinois county that borders Missouri. They must also be at least 18 years old, grow at least half of what they sell at a farmers market, attend a virtual training program from the state ag department, sell in at least one of the listed counties and own a smart device.
These benefits are available until Sept. 30 and must be used by Oct. 31.
