WIC Produce Connection. What you need to know

 

What is Michigan WIC Produce Connection? 

Michigan WIC Produce Connection (formerly known as WIC Project FRESH) gives WIC families $40 of benefits to use at Authorized Growers at farmers markets and roadside stands. Families can use the benefits to buy eligible locally grown, fresh, unprepared fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs from Authorized Growers.



What’s new with the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program in Michigan?

  • It has a new name, Michigan WIC Produce Connection. It used to be called WIC Project Fresh.  
  • Benefits will be loaded on your WIC EBT card. You will no longer get paper coupons. 
  • Benefits can be used from June 1 – November 30. 
  • Use your WIC Cash Value Benefits (CVB) for fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and roadside stands.


How to get WIC Produce Connection benefits

Ask your local WIC office how to get WIC Produce Connection benefits added to your WIC EBT card.

Where to use WIC Produce Connection benefits

Sign for Michigan WIC Produce Connection Accepted Here.

Use your WIC EBT card at Authorized Growers found at farmers markets and roadside stands. Look for the WIC Produce Connection/WIC CVB Accepted Here signs.

Find Authorized Growers at local farmers markets and roadside stands

  • A list of Authorized Growers can be found here, or ask your WIC clinic staff to know where you can use your WIC EBT card.
  • Authorized Growers are only open on certain days and hours of the week. Call and check to know when they are open before you visit.
  • Look for the WIC Produce Connection/WIC CVB Accepted Here signs.

Authorized Growers

Authorized Growers are local farmers who grow some or all of the food they sell. Buying produce from Authorized Growers means the food was grown in Michigan or counties of Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, which directly border Michigan.

When a grower is authorized, they can accept WIC Produce Connection and WIC CVB benefits. Not all farmers are authorized.

What foods can I buy at Authorized Growers?

  • An apple, a head of broccoli, a butternut squash, and a bunch of fresh cilantro, are all examples of what you can buy with WIC Produce Connection or WIC CVB benefits. 
  • WIC EBT cards cannot be used for cheese, cider, eggs, honey, maple syrup, meat, nuts, potted herbs, seafood, and seeds.
  • WIC Produce Connection benefits can be used at more than 1 Authorized Grower in any amount.

Deeper Dive

Michigan WIC Produce Connection: Eligible Foods List

How does WIC Produce Connection work?

Image of Michigan WIC card

Let the farmers know you’re using WIC Produce Connection or your WIC CVB fruits and vegetables benefits before they total your purchase.

More ways to pay!

Some Authorized Growers, farmers markets and roadside stands allow customers to pay for their food in a variety of ways. If you plan to spend more, bring cash or another form of payment. Many markets accept:

  • Debit and credit cards
  • Electronic pay

Reminder

authorized

Authorized means the farmer is allowed to accept WIC Project FRESH coupons. Not all farmers are authorized.