WIC FMNP- Innovative and Collaborative Methods to Reduce Food Insecurity in Northwest Health District
Abstract
WIC FMNP- Innovative and Collaborative Methods to Reduce Food Insecurity in Northwest Health District
As technology emerges, Public Health and the WIC program follow, with the biggest change being the conversion of manual processes to electronic. The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program was not far behind, and in 2024 moved from manual vouchers to electronic debit cards to issue WIC participants fresh produce benefits. Training on the innovative new FMNP system and collaboration with local farmers ensured that all staff were ready to take on the electronic move. At the Rome district the challenge was on taken as research began to improve the market season for all WIC participants, as accessibility can be a burden in the northwest area for participants. To ensure a successful farmers market season, Rome collaborated with faith-based organizations and other agencies within the communities to make the markets accessible for all participants. Bringing the markets to the communities ensures that all participants have an opportunity to get to a market and eliminates barriers, ensuring that they can obtain fresh produce. Giving participants the ability to complete the required nutrition education online and via phone prior to the markets was effective the day of the market and made for smooth transition between stations and faster services. Partnerships were established with other agencies to offer participants the opportunity to engage in other community programs by receiving information the day of the markets. Rome’s drive-thru farmers markets have been successful because of the smooth and fast services provided and for those without vehicles, being within walking distance has been beneficial so they can obtain their benefits. The Rome district strives to improve and provide the community with the FMNP and served 3697 participants this season because everyone should have access to fresh local produce.
Keywords
innovative, collaboration, food security, technology, electronic, FMNP, WIC, community
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WIC FMNP- Innovative and Collaborative Methods to Reduce Food Insecurity in Northwest Health District
WIC FMNP- Innovative and Collaborative Methods to Reduce Food Insecurity in Northwest Health District
As technology emerges, Public Health and the WIC program follow, with the biggest change being the conversion of manual processes to electronic. The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program was not far behind, and in 2024 moved from manual vouchers to electronic debit cards to issue WIC participants fresh produce benefits. Training on the innovative new FMNP system and collaboration with local farmers ensured that all staff were ready to take on the electronic move. At the Rome district the challenge was on taken as research began to improve the market season for all WIC participants, as accessibility can be a burden in the northwest area for participants. To ensure a successful farmers market season, Rome collaborated with faith-based organizations and other agencies within the communities to make the markets accessible for all participants. Bringing the markets to the communities ensures that all participants have an opportunity to get to a market and eliminates barriers, ensuring that they can obtain fresh produce. Giving participants the ability to complete the required nutrition education online and via phone prior to the markets was effective the day of the market and made for smooth transition between stations and faster services. Partnerships were established with other agencies to offer participants the opportunity to engage in other community programs by receiving information the day of the markets. Rome’s drive-thru farmers markets have been successful because of the smooth and fast services provided and for those without vehicles, being within walking distance has been beneficial so they can obtain their benefits. The Rome district strives to improve and provide the community with the FMNP and served 3697 participants this season because everyone should have access to fresh local produce.
