Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) &
Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program (SFDNP
The Oregon’s Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) is a state-administered federal nutrition program that will bring over one million dollars into the hands of Oregon farmers in 2010. FDNP funds take the form of pre-printed checks and will go to some of the low-income nutritionally at-risk young families enrolled in the WIC (Women Infants & Children) program, and to eligible low-income seniors.
FDNP recipients will receive green $4 checks (see below for a picture of the check) to spend directly with authorized farmers at farm stands and farmers’ markets. FDNP checks are specifically for locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables. The FDNP runs from June 1 - October 31.
- Read the 2010 Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program fact sheet.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program Fruit & Veggie Voucher
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The Oregon WIC Fruit & Veggie Voucher is a new opportunity for farmers, starting 2010. All women and children enrolled in the Oregon WIC Program receive these vouchers on a monthly basis which come in $5, $6 and $10 denominations. WIC recipients may spend their vouchers on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, year-round, with authorized farmers at farm stands and farmers’ markets. Potential WIC Fruit & Veggie voucher sales total approximately $8.6 million per year for Oregon. |
How do I sign up to accept WIC Fruit & Veggie vouchers?
You must fill out and sign an application with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. 2010 application packets will be mailed to 2009 farmer participants during the week of March 1, 2010, although you may sign up year-round. Farmers new to the WIC Fruit & Veggie voucher must also complete a face-to-face training prior to authorization and accepting vouchers.
WIC Fruit and Veggie Voucher example
View letter to farmers dated 1/22/10 regarding the new WIC Fruit & Veggie voucher
View a table that compares the FDNP check with the new WIC Fruit & Veggie Voucher
For an application packet,
please call the Oregon Department of Agriculture in Portland at 503-872-6600.
Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program (SFDNP)
The SFDNP, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides low-income, eligible seniors with checks that can be used to purchase fresh Oregon grown fruit, vegetables and herbs. The checks can only be used at approved farm stands and Farmer's markets. The program is intended to improve nutrition for Oregon seniors and support local Oregon farmers.
How does it work?
Each spring, seniors are notified by mail if they are eligible to participate in the program. The USDA grant does not provide enough funding to provide benefits to every senior that is eligible. Seniors who choose to participate in the program will have their applications processed in the order received by DHS Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) central office. Applications received after funding for the program has expired, will be put on a waiting list in the order received. If additional funds are received for the program, seniors on the waiting list will be notified.
Seniors who are eligible to participate in the program will receive $32 in farm direct checks. These checks can be used to purchase locally grown produce at participating farm stands and Farmers markets. The checks may be used between June 1 and October 31 in the year the check is received.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, seniors must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Be at least 60 years old by April 1 of the current year;
- Be receiving either SNAP benefits or Medicaid on April 1 of the current year;
- Have income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level in the current year;
- Be living in a situation where food is not provided for them, such as their own home or apartment.
For further information, please contact your local Senior Services or Area Agency on Aging office.
How do I become an authorized farmer for FDNP?
| You must fill out and sign an application with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. 2010 application packets will be mailed to 2009 farmer participants during the week of March 1, 2010. Farmers new to FDNP must also complete a face-to-face training prior to authorization and accepting FDNP checks. |  |
An Oregon FDNP farmer must:
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own, lease, rent or sharecrop land to grow, cultivate or harvest crops on that land AND grow fresh fruit, vegetables or cut herbs in Oregon or a bordering county to sell at your farm stand or at a farmers market.
$4 FDNP Check example
FDNP Program Deadlines
Your completed and eligible application must be postmarked on or before March 31, 2010 to have your information included in the 2010 FDNP shopper list for participating Senior and WIC recipients; otherwise your information will be posted on the Oregon Department of Agriculture website. All 2010 FDNP applications must be postmarked by September 30, 2010.
Resources
WIC Customer Service Offices click here
Farmers Market eligibility and WIC check distribution:
Maria Menor, Oregon FDNP Coordinator
Phone (971) 673-0056
Farmer eligibility
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Phone (503) 872-6600
Women, Infants and Children
If you have questions regarding WIC participation,
please call your local WIC clinic or
1-800-SAFENET.
Seniors and People with Disabilities
If you have questions regarding senior eligibility,
please call Seniors and People with Disabilities at
1-866-299-3562
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Farm Direct Nutrition Program