Families in Placer County who are part of the Women, Infants and Children program can now use their benefits to buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers' markets. According to the County of Placer, this update allows Women, Infants and Children cardholders to purchase produce directly from local farmers.
Families can now use their Women, Infants and Children benefits at farmers' markets by scanning a QR code on the new WIC cards. Marcia Barnes, Placer County WIC program supervisor, said, “This update to the WIC card means greater access to healthy, local produce and stronger support for our community's farmers.” The cards also have a magnetic stripe for use in traditional in-store purchases, while the QR feature is designed for farmers' market transactions, as reported by the County of Placer.
Monthly amounts are $26 for children ages 1 to 5, $47 for pregnant and postpartum individuals, $52 for breastfeeding individuals, and $78 for those breastfeeding more than one infant. Benefits apply to fresh produce only, not frozen or dried. For questions or to request a new WIC card, contact the Placer County WIC office at 916-784-6447 or [email protected], as stated by the County of Placer.
