The North Central Health District (NCHD) is currently providing its 13 County Health Departments with nutritional foods as they host their annual Farmers Markets for participants of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program.
“We are bringing fresh, nutritious produce to these events,” said NCHD Nutrition Services Director Nancy Jeffery. “Every year, these Farmers Markets provide a great opportunity for our WIC participants to get healthy foods at no cost. We’re always grateful to our vendors, and it’s exciting to see our clients and their families benefit from these markets.”
Each Farmers Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables to participants of WIC. Supplies are limited, and markets operate on a first come, first served basis, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. WIC participants, or their designated alternates, must bring their WIC ID card to take advantage. For visitors not enrolled in WIC, fresh produce can be purchased from attending vendors.
The Washington County Health Department will host their Farmers Market on Wednesday, July 6th from 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at 201 Morningside Drive in Sandersville.
Neighboring Hancock County will also hold a Farmers Market at their Health Department the following day on Thursday, July 7th from 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at 516 Noland Street in Sparta.
“Everyone benefits from access to healthy foods,” said Director Jeffery. “Our farmers markets help connect people that may not have reliable access to these fresh fruits and vegetables. Nutrition is an essential part of an individual’s overall health, and access to healthy foods provide benefits for the entire community.”
WIC is a nutritional program that provides food supplements, referrals, and education to health care providers for eligible women, infants, and children. For more information about WIC, including eligibility guidelines, visit NCHD52.org/WIC.