The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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July 27, 2010

Mankato Farmers' Market honors WIC

By Robb Murray The Free Press

MANKATO — A federal grant has put fresh, locally grown produce into the hands of low-income residents and brought a new crowd to the Mankato Farmers’ Market.

The WIC program got a boost that will allow about 800 people to get food from area farmers instead of a grocery store.

Since the beginning of June, people who qualify for WIC — a program where people’s income qualifies them for government subsidies to purchase food — have been offered vouchers that are accepted at nearly all Mankato Farmers’ Market vendors.

Those vendors then work directly with the state to get reimbursed. Each recipient has been offered $20 in WIC vouchers.

Market Manager Caroline Wood said the program has introduced a new segment of the community to the Farmers’ Market.

The Second Harvest food bank also has been distributing food vouchers for use at Farmers’ Market vendors. Additional help to people who need it has been a nice addition to the market this year, Wood said.

So far all but about 100 of the vouchers have been distributed.

“The families are really excited to get them,” said Rebecca Gruenes of Blue Earth County Human Services.

About 4,000 people receive WIC benefits each year in Blue Earth County.

Attendance has been “really good” at the Farmers’ Market this year. Wood said they’re at about 90 percent of what is normally offered at the market.

They’re still missing apples and melons, but just about everything else — including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and most other vegetables — is available.

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