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The Arizona Farmers' Market Nutrition Program will be signing up mothers who will receive coupons to get free fruits and vegetables.

By La Monica Everett-Haynes, University Communications
February 15, 2008

Low-income families generally have a harder time getting a steady stream of nutritious meals.

That is why the Farmer’s Market at The University of Arizona will be promoting a federally funded program that will help parents get the kinds of produce that will result in healthier children, said Gale S. Welter, a nutrition counselor at the UA’s Campus Health Services.

On Feb. 20, the Farmer’s Market, which is held 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will debut the “Arizona Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.”

The program has been offered in other parts of the state, but this if the first time it will be offered at the UA Farmer's Market, said James Colvin, the market’s assistant coordinator.

Beginning March 1, eligible members of Women, Infant and Children, or WIC, will be able to exchange coupons for apples, pears, onions, lettuce, eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes and other produce.

A requirement of the program is that families may only get produce from vendors who grow their products at home, or those who buy locally. The coupons can be used through the end of September.

During the Feb. 20 farmer’s market, a WIC representative will also be on site to answer questions and enroll parents in the program, which is free to eligible WIC members.

The program is run by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Nutrition Services in collaboration with the Association of Arizona Food Banks and the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. Also, The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and farmers’ markets throughout the state support the program.

“What the government is trying to do is to build some habits for low socioeconomic families who have high nutrient needs,” Welter said.

Families can only purchase goods from “approved” vendors who, among other things, have signed an agreement with the program, limit resale of fresh produce and promote nutrition education.

“They are the most nutritious fruits and vegetables you will get,” Welter said. “Also, the program is helping to sustain the local community.”

Three vendors who sell on the UA Mall fit the requirements, Welter said. They are the Community Food Bank, Grammy's Garden and the English Family Orchard. Offering the program in this way helps make sure families get pesticide-free and organic foods, Welter said.

“The locally grown aspect supports a number of benefits,” Welter said. “And the program encourages eating fruits and vegetables because they are so good for you in many ways.”