Food access programs aim to benefit over 2,000 Lewis County residents

SNAP Market Match logo.PNG

CHEHALIS - Lewis County residents eligible for the Washington State Department of Health special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may now be able to stretch their food budget to buy more fruits, vegetables and cut herbs.

Using a WIC QR code, participants may be eligible for fruit and vegetable benefits when shopping at any of the four farmers markets in Lewis County. In addition the state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Market Match offers up to $25 of benefits at farmers markets. SNAP Produce Match temporarily allows participants to earn $10 when they spend at least $10 on fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores.

Offering the new benefits are vendors at local farmers markets:

  • Centralia Farmers Market, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through September 29, Pine Street Plaza.
  • Chehalis Community Farmers Market, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through October 31, Boistfort St. between Market and Pacific Ave.
  • Morton Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through October 21, Gust Backstrom Park.
  • Toledo Thursday Market, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through December 14, Toledo boat launch.

The new WIC program changes will affect nearly 2,000 infants and children and 700 women in Lewis County. The SNAP program is used by an estimated 20% of households in the county.

“These changes create a great opportunity for our WIC participants to access locally grown produce from our farmers markets and farm stores,” shares Melissa Ross, Lewis County Public Health and Social Services WIC Program Manager. “The Market Match program offers more options to redeem SNAP/EBT program benefits, and supports our community.”

Get more information on the WIC program online: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/wic/farmers-market/wic-fmnp-wic-participants

Posted: June 01, 2023

Public Health and Social Services