AG Farmers' Market in Toms River Now Accepts WIC and Senior FMNP Vouchers

TOMS RIVER, N.J., August 22, 2018 (Newswire.com) - The AG Farmers’ Market in Toms River is now accepting WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program [FMNP] vouchers via designated vendors such as Krowickis Farm Market, which provides locally grown, unprepared, fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. 

Market Manager William Bintliff notes, “These programs are a tremendous benefit to the community. It provides locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to those who need it the most.”

These programs are a tremendous benefit to the community. It provides locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to those who need it the most.

William Bintliff, Market Manager

The market, located at 108 Indian Head Rd. in Toms River (on the grounds of Abundant Grace Church), serves the community every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, administers the programs. Local farmers such as the Krowickis are recruited and trained to be Certified Farmer Vendors in the WIC and Seniors FMNP. These farmers benefit from the programs by direct marketing their locally grown fresh produce to eligible participants at their roadside stands and community farmers markets, like the AG Farmers' Market, across the state.

FMNP checks are distributed through local WIC Agencies and County Offices on Aging. Participants in the FMNP are given lists of Certified Farmer Vendors and community farmers markets when they receive their checks/vouchers. Each eligible WIC and Senior participant receives four $5 checks/vouchers that can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs grown by local farmers. The checks/vouchers are valid beginning June 1 through Nov. 30.

These programs provide vouchers for nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, children 2-5 years old, as well as eligible seniors 60 years of age and older.

To participate in the WIC and Seniors FMNP, vendors must receive face-to-face training, complete a two-page application and sign an agreement. The New Jersey Departments of Agriculture and Health and Senior Services administer the registration process. For more information on the programs, contact Dorothy Ngumezi, 609-292-9560, dorothy.ngumezi@doh.state.nj.us, at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

For information or enrollment in the WIC program, people can contact their local WIC office.

For more information on the AG Farmers' Market, contact AGFarmersMarket@gmail.com or call (732) 221-7770.

Source: AG Farmers' Market