Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs (WIC/Senior)
Bureau of Family Nutrition
Division of Community Health & Prevention
Illinois Department of Human Services
Program Description
Target
Participants in the WIC program (women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in the postpartum period as well as their children up to 5 years of age) and income-eligible senior citizens.
Purpose
To promote the routine consumption of fruits and vegetables as a part of the daily diet.
Services
The program provides checks that can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers' markets in 34 counties. The program operates from July through November 30th of each year. Nutrition education materials, including recipes, are also distributed.
Delivery Method
Checks for WIC participants are distributed at WIC clinics. Checks for seniors are distributed at local senior citizens' centers through the cooperation of the Illinois Department on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Program Data
|
SFY05 |
SFY06 |
SFY07 |
SFY08 |
| Program Expenditure (Numbers in 000's) |
$777.2 |
$500.5 |
$934.4 |
$1,170.5 |
| Number of Grantees |
1 |
1 |
3* |
3* |
| Number Served |
86,990 |
87,000 |
74,000 |
77,500 |
*Catholic Charities, IL Department on Aging and WIC clinics
Program Effectiveness
- Served over 77,500 participants in 34 counties during 2008.
- Of the 77,500 participants served, 45% were seniors and 55% were women and children.
- This was the second year the program used a banking system and issued checks instead of coupons. This system is much more convenient for the farmers.
