WIC participants can now use WIC Farmers’ Market coupons at select Delaware farmers’ markets

DOVER – Participants in Delaware’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program can now use special coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at 11 Delaware farmers’ markets under a pilot program beginning this week.

The pilot program will provide each program participant with $15 in coupons to be used directly at participating markets. The coupons can be used through October 31.

The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a joint project of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and the Delaware Department of Agriculture, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Connecting pregnant women, post-partum women and their young children with fresh fruits and vegetables is another way we are building a healthier Delaware,” Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said. “To be able to support local farmers at the same time is a bonus.”

WIC provides supplemental foods designed to meet the special nutritional needs of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk.

“Helping more people get access to fresh foods can only help our families and our family farmers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee. “We’re pleased to be able to start this program and see it grow in the future.”

The 11 markets participating this season are:

Capital City Farmers Market
126 West Loockerman Street, Dover
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Through September 14

Historic Lewes Farmers Market
George H.P. Smith Park, DuPont and Johnson Avenues, Lewes
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – Noon
Through September 24
Fall market October 1 to November 19, Saturdays 9 a.m. – Noon

Historic Lewes Farmers Market at Kings Highway
37707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes
Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Through September 7

Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market
Grove Park, Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Tuesdays, Noon – 4 p.m. through September 27
Tuesdays, Noon – 3 p.m. October 4 – 25

Bellefonte Farmers Market (Wilmington)
500 Duncan Road (Bellevue Community Center Garden), Wilmington
Fridays, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Through September 9

Southbridge Youth Garden Farm Stand (Wilmington)
Neighborhood House Inc., 1218 B Street, Wilmington
Last Friday of each month, 3 – 7 p.m. in August and 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. in September – October

Carousel Park Farmers Market
3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington
Fridays, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Through October 28

Cool Spring Farmers Market
Cool Spring Park, West 10th and North Jackson Streets, Wilmington
Thursdays, 4 – 6 p.m.
Through October 6

Glasgow Park Farmers Market
Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark
Fridays, 3 – 7 p.m.
Through October 28

Rockwood Park Farmers Market
Rockwood Park, 610 Shipley Road, Wilmington
Thursdays, 3 – 7 p.m.
Through October 27

Route 9 Farmers Market (Garfield Park)
Bowlerama Parking Lot, 3031 New Castle Avenue, New Castle
Wednesdays, 3 – 7 p.m.
Through October 26

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Media contacts:
Jill Fredel, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, 302-255-9047, jill.fredel@delaware.gov
Dan Shortridge, Delaware Department of Agriculture, 302-698-4520, daniel.shortridge@delaware.gov