New initiative helps moms gain access to fresh produce at farmers markets
18th April 2017 · 0 Comments
By Tia Alphonse
Contributing Writer
Breastfeeding mothers, or those who receive benefits from the federal program Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC, now have a unique, new resource for healthy options.
On Jan. 28, the Crescent City Farmers Market (CCFM) began piloting a program to help mothers gain access to more fruits, vegetables and other fresh local produce.
Through the Crescent City Farmers Market, local mothers can join the Market Mommas Club, where members earn up to $80 a month to spend at the farmers market.
Prior to this program, mothers in Louisiana could not use their WIC Cash Value Voucher in local farmers markets – they were only valid in grocery stores. Katheryn Parker, the executive director of Market Umbrella, applied for a grant allowing these vouchers to be shown in exchange for food. With the backing of the Kellogg Foundation, the proposal came to fruition for mothers in the New Orleans area, this year.
The healthy moms program, as it’s referred to by Market Mommas program manager Victoria Williams, benefits local mothers by removing financial burdens and expanding their access to nutritious food choices.
“We’re able to afford more of the local produce that we enjoy,” said Melissa Taylor, a Jefferson Parish resident who is a member of the Market Momma’s Club, and a mother of four.
The program has two facets.
The first features a Market Plus WIC CVV Pilot program that offers $48 in vouchers each month for up to six months for moms that show the current month’s WIC voucher and fill out a survey at the farmers market. The second feature is the actual club that breastfeeding mothers can join. The Market Mommas Club will provide $80 in market tokens for breastfeeding mothers who sign up for a peer support group and receive a club card. This program is good for mothers with children six months and younger who have WIC benefits.
Getting involved with the program is not difficult, said Williams. For the Market Plus program, Williams said mothers just need to bring their WIC booklet to any of the four locations and go to the welcome tent.
“There’s no paper work. You just fill out a little survey, and you receive your vouchers,” Williams added.
The Crescent City Farmers Market opens four times a week in different locations throughout New Orleans. The Tuesday Market is located at 200 Broadway Street at the River and opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Wednesday Market is located at 1235 N. Peters Street in the French Quarter and opens from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Thursday Market is located at 3700 Orleans Avenue near the Bayou and opens from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and the Saturday Market is located at 750 Carondelet Street at Julia Street and opens from 8 a.m. to noon.
While Market Mommas Club does provide better access to local produce for mothers, that’s not its only service. Williams does tours of the farmers market with mothers to get them acquainted with the market and to help them better understand the produce before purchase.
“I am getting help with ensuring my family learns to eat healthy and smart. I get to talk with farmers, vendors, and some [people] from the program,” said Leskisher Luckett, a mother of three and participant of the Healthymoms Program.
“It’s a lifestyle choice for your whole family,” Luckett added.
Mothers interested in participating in the program can sign up at one of the local Crescent City Farmers Markets or by calling 504-861-4488 or 504-517-2747.
This article originally published in the April 17, 2017 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with corrected market times and clarifications regarding WIC vouchers.
