La Crosse County WIC offers free farmers market checks for families

Farmers markets could see new faces this summer. The La Crosse County WIC program is giving $35 checks to families to spend on fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Abbie Loos, La Crosse County Health Department nutrition educator, said three out of five WIC participants have never been to a farmers market. This could be their time to try something new.

“We are just really lucky that we have a lot of local farmers markets and farmers markets in general have grown,” Loos said. “Every year, it seems like we are getting more and more. It is great that we have this in La Crosse to get to know our farmers and for families to get to know them too.”

Loos noted the program can also help families cover costs while kids are home on summer break.

“It is grown directly here,” Loos said. “We’re not getting it from a grocery store where it has traveled thousands and thousands of miles. Kids are really receiving food that is fresh and the most nutritious. Kids are at that peak time of brain development and growth. Anytime we can give them nutrition that is at its peak freshness is great.”

WIC families can pick up their checks through the end of September. They can be spent from now until Halloween.

If all of the checks are used, nearly $40,000 would be spent with local, La Crosse farmers, according to the La Crosse County WIC. WIC families can pick up their checks through the end of September. They can be spent from now until Halloween.