WIC expansion to farmers market aims for better health - WOWK 13 News

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — West Virginia is targeting kids and moms for better health and is offering substantial cash benefits for food. Experts are always telling us to eat more fruits and vegetables, and now the state will pay some to do just that.

For years, people who received SNAP benefits known as "food stamps," have been able to use them to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at dozens of farms and farmers markets across the state.
Now a program known as WIC, for women, infants, and children, is also expanding benefits to farmers markets.

Beginning June 1, each child will receive $26 of food per month. Pregnant and postpartum moms will get $47 a month. And moms who breastfeed will get $52 buck a month. The goal is, simply, better health.

"This is our way of using prevention. Food is medicine. And so, if we have increased access, to fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh produce, people are going to be healthier," said Dr. Sherri Young, West Virginia Secretary of Health.

West Virginia has amongst the highest rates of diabetes and obesity in the nation, especially in children. To qualify for WIC benefits, a family of three must have an income of less than $34,000 a year.

Benefits can increase as family size grows, but the income thresholds go up as well.
to find more information go to: http://www.dhhr.wv.gov

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