ADHS
News Release:
 |
 |
| Release: |
Health Department Sponsors Farmer’s Markets –
“Win-Win” for WIC Families, Kids and Farmers |
|
| Release
Date: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
March 31, 2006 |
|
| Contact: |
Mary Ehlert, ADHS Public Information, (602) 364-1201; cell (602) 721-0532 |
|
|
|
Beginning in March the Arizona Department of Health Services will provide low income women, and children with coupons to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets. With obesity on the rise in Arizona and throughout the U.S., this program, subsidized by the USDA and the Health Department, is designed to encourage low income families to buy – and eat – more fruits and vegetables.
“It’s a win-win,” Margaret Tate, Chief of the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Nutrition Services said. “This program offers WIC participants healthy fresh fruit and vegetables while providing economic development opportunities for Arizona growers and Farmers’ Market vendors.”
“We know it works,” Tate said. Citing national survey information, Tate says that similar farmers’ market programs nationwide result in WIC families consuming 73% more fresh fruits and vegetables than WIC families not participating in farmers’ markets.
The impact for farmers is also positive; the same national survey indicates that 93% would recommend other farmers get involved with the program.
In Arizona, the Arizona Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (AZ FMNP) further expands the model of extraordinary cooperation and coordination to alleviate hunger and build strong community food systems for which Arizona has set a national standard. Government agencies, food banks, community organizations and local businesses that have already expressed support for continuing and enhancing AZ FMNP in our state include the Association of Arizona Food Banks, Arizona Community Action Association, the Arizona Community Farmers’ Market Association, Arizona Departments of Agriculture, Economic Security Division of Aging and Adult Services, and Community Services Administration, Health Services, Community Food Connections, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., the State Advisory Council on Hunger, and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.
###
Survey cited: “Program Impact Report for the 2002 WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program,” the National Association of Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs.
|
|
|
