DHEC: (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is offering mobile payment options

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– According to state health officials, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is offering two electronic options to purchase locally grown produce at farmers’ markets.

The South Carolina Department of  Health and Environmental Control says FMNP has moved from paper vouchers to a mobile app and a shopper card.

DHEC say those who take part can use the SoliMarket Mobile App or the SoliMarket Shopper Card that features a QR code to purchase produce from approved farmers.

Image: Courtesy (DHEC)

Image: Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

According to a release from SC DHEC, the electronic transaction streamlines purchasing for WIC participants and will increase the use of benefits at farmers’ markets and revenue for South Carolina farmers. The e-solution also allows farmers to receive weekly payments more quickly with direct deposits to their bank accounts, say officials.

“These mobile-friendly solutions make it easier for eligible WIC participants to buy fresh, South Carolina grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to help provide healthy food options for their families,” said Berry Kelly, director of DHEC Community Nutrition Services.

DHEC says it manages the state’s WIC program, which provides nutrition education and supplemental foods for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under the age of five. The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides WIC participants with benefits to purchase fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cooking herbs.

It is important to note that due to limited funding, not all eligible WIC participants receive FMNP benefits. Benefits are only issued at select health departments in the following counties: Anderson, Beaufort, Charleston, Chester, Clarendon, Darlington, Dorchester, Florence, Greenville, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, Richland and Spartanburg, according to DHEC.

Health officials say they encourage all qualifying caregivers to access WIC, including moms, dads, or grandparents caring for grandchildren, as well as foster parents.

Per DHEC:

WIC is open to South Carolina families with a household income at or below 185% of the poverty level or to those who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid programs.

Learn more about WIC at scdhec.gov/wic. To find a list of participating health departments and to learn more about FMNP visit scdhec.gov/farmersmarket.