WIC Families Urged to Get & Redeem Checks for Free Produce

The following information was provided by the Allegheny County Health Department.

The Allegheny County Health Department is reminding Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program families that checks for the Pennsylvania Farmers Market Nutrition Program are available until Sept. 30 while supplies last and must be used before they expire on Nov. 30.
Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and children ages 2 to 4 enrolled in WIC are eligible to receive $20 each in checks redeemable at participating Farmers Markets for Pennsylvania-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. If they haven't already done so, eligible families should contact their WIC offices or call 412-350-5801 to arrange pickup of their checks or get a list of Farmers Markets where they can be redeemed.

WIC families are encouraged to take full advantage of the program and to get and use all of their checks for free produce. Health officials suggest using the checks before Thanksgiving, since most Farmers Markets close for the season a week before that holiday.

The list of produce available this fall includes apples, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, squash, grapes, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parsnips, pears, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, turnips, yams and zucchini.

WIC is a federally funded program for pregnant or breastfeeding women, postpartum mothers and children under the age of 5. Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk.

The income limits are an annual gross of $20,665 for a family of one; $27,991 for two; $35,317 for three; $42,643 for four; $49,969 for five; $57,295 for six; $64,621 for seven; and $71,947 for eight. Add $7,326 for each additional member beyond eight. Unborn children are counted when the woman is pregnant.

Besides Farmers Market produce during the summer and fall, WIC provides regular year-round food benefits that include infant formula; infant cereal; milk; eggs; cheese; juice; cereal; peanut butter; whole grains, including bread, tortillas, oatmeal and rice; soy milk; tofu; jarred baby foods; dry or canned beans; canned tuna, sardines and pink salmon; and fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables.

For more information about WIC and how to apply for benefits, call the Allegheny County Health Department WIC Program at 412-350-5801. If this number is a toll call or if you live outside of Allegheny County, call the statewide toll-free number—800-WIC-WINS (800-942-9467).