WIC Moves to Electronic Platform

The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program administered by the Bureau for Public Health, Office of Nutrition Services, has replaced its paper coupon booklet system with WIC Farm Market Direct, an electronic platform.
As part of the new system, WIC participants will have a QR Code affixed to their eWIC card to allow for electronic transactions with authorized farmers market vendors and can check their card balance through a web-based portal.
Through WIC Farm Market Direct, authorized farmers scan the QR Code on the member’s eWIC card with a mobile device to initiate the purchasing process of fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers will then receive payment via direct deposit, which eliminates check processing fees. There are currently 106 farmers participating in the WIC program.
FMNP benefits may be redeemed from June 1-Oct. 31.
“This new technology platform has many benefits for both WIC participants and local farmers,” said Heidi Staats, director of the Office of Nutrition Services.
“It simplifies the purchasing process for participants, reduces stigma by functioning like a credit/debit card, streamlines payments to farmers and farmers markets, provides real-time data for review and analysis, and ensures efficient and secure management of federal funds and benefits.”
In 2022, theOffice of Nutrition Services was awarded funds through the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture FMNP Benefit Delivery Modernization Grant to invest in technology to streamline benefit delivery and improve equitable access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. 
“West Virginia was awarded FMNP expansion funding due to the successful implementation of an electronic FMNP system,” added Staats.  “This has allowed us to increase the FMNP benefit to the maximum level of $30 for eligible WIC participants.”
Vouchers may be redeemed at 4 Seasons Veggie Farm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Parking Lot, 300 Three Springs Dr., Weirton, Sundays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. or Saturdays from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
They may also be used at the Brooke County Farmers Market in the Dollar General parking lot at Rt. 2 and Bruin Dr., Wellsburg, Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m.