Thursday 2 June 2016

Farmers WIC Voucher Acceptance Meeting

Local farmer Ras Amaha selling produce at their monthly farmers market in Bordeaux, St. Thomas, USVI.
Photo by: DaraMonifah Cooper
The WIC Farmer's Market Nutrition Program Training was held on Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 6-8pm on St. Thomas in the Neil Weiss Hall of the University of the Virgin Islands. At this training and authorizing process, farmers were able to complete the required application and sign the agreement. Farmers were encouraged to attend and, if available, brought their photo ID, health card, farmer’s license, or business license, tax clearance letter and the schedule F tax document. VIDOA Director of Marketing Services, Billy Abraham, visited St. Thomas to share a presentation on the program, explained how farmers can participate, entertained a question and answers segment then authorized farmers to accept WIC Cash Value Vouchers.

New Ag Marketing Director Billy Abraham facilitated WIC Training
According to the USDA, the WIC FMNP was established by Congress in 1992, to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers’ markets. The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is associated with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC. The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, health care referrals and nutrition education at no cost to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding post-partum women, and to infants and children up to 5 years of age, who are found to be at nutritional risk.

The goals of the USVI WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) are: Farmers market setting

  1. To provide WIC participants with checks to purchase locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at farmers markets.
  2. To provide WIC participants with nutrition education and the resources to encourage the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
  3. To increase the awareness and use of farmers markets.

For more information: 
BILLY ABRAHAM
DIRECTOR, MARKETING DIVISION
Virgin Islands Department Of Agriculture
RR1 BOX 10345
Kingshill, VI 00850
Ph: (340)778-0997/8 ext. 256

E-mail: billy.abraham@doa.vi.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Print Resources

What is the purpose of this service?

WIC Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well and stay healthy.

Who can receive these services?

  • Women who are Pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby
  • Children under 5 years old (including foster children)
  • Families with a low to medium income (including working families who qualify)

What services are offered?

  • Special checks to buy fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets and roadside stands
  • Information about nutrition and health to help you and your family eat well and be healthy

How to apply?

Services are provided in 24 counties throughout the state.
Use the DHS Office Locator to find a Women, Infants and Children office in your area. Your local office can make an appointment for you and determine if you and your family qualify.  WIC staff can tell you what documents you will need to bring to your appointment.

Additional Information:


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