Mountain State Times

The West Virginia WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is aligning with Governor Patrick Morrisey’s goal of a healthier West Virginia by emphasizing his initiative to improve food quality. The program aims to enhance access to fresh, locally grown produce to not only benefit West Virginians' health but also to support local farmers and communities.

In alignment with modernization efforts, the West Virginia Department of Health has transitioned WIC benefit issuance to a state-administered electronic system. This system helps families locate markets and redeem benefits more effectively by cross-referencing WIC participant home zip codes with farmer and market locations. Participants can now redeem their benefits using QR codes on eWIC cards or through the WICShopper App.

“A healthier West Virginia starts with cleaner food. Through modernization and innovation, we’re giving our citizens the tools to access it more easily than ever before,” said Dr. Arvin Singh, Secretary of Health.

The program issued more than $782,000 in benefits in 2024, marking a considerable increase in participation and redemption rates from past years. Efforts to expand the scope of the WIC program include innovative strategies like pop-up clinics, produce subsidies during outreach events, and direct partnerships with farmers’ markets. Collaboration with community partners like the WVU Food Justice Lab and the West Virginia Farmers’ Market Association has expanded outreach and increased participation from local markets and farmers.

Additionally, WIC has focused on extensive farmer outreach and training, conducting 16 statewide in-person sessions to help vendors navigate the electronic system. Online resources and vendor portal guidance are provided to further assist vendors.

"All of these different things that we are doing are leading to the growth of our program like never before,” stated Heather King, WIC FMNP Coordinator. “Our efforts have been recognized by the National WIC Association as one of the most successful programs in the nation due to our modernization and expansion. We are making changes and seeing those changes positively impact the lives of WIC families across the state.”

For more information about the West Virginia WIC FMNP, visit the website or contact the Office of Nutrition Services Retailer and Farmer Management Division.