Greasy chips and candy bars may be a cheap buy, but some farmer's markets provide low-income families and seniors with healthier alternatives at a lower cost.
The Meridian Township Farmer's Market, 5151 Marsh Road, in Okemos, offers Project FRESH, a program that provides $20 coupons redeemable for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
"It's rewarding to be able to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to several people who might not be able to get them otherwise," said Earl Threadgould, a Mason farmer and vendor at the market.
"The second advantage is, by having them get fruits and vegetables Michigan-grown, it helps people get accustomed to having fruits and vegetables, and they improve their eating habits," Threadgould said.
Project FRESH began in 1986 and provides eligible families with coupon booklets to be used from until through Oct. 31 for produce at participating farmer's markets.
The program is funded through federal aid, donations and the Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, program. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, Project FRESH received $515,490 in federal funding and $61,675 in donations in 2005.
Customers who are eligible for Project FRESH also are eligible for the WIC program, said Sharon Pierce, manager of the Meridian Township Farmer's Market. According to the department, eligibility depends on a household gross income. For example, the requirement for an eligible four-person family would be $38,203.
The Meridian Township Farmer's Market began providing the service in 1994, Pierce said. Of roughly 40 vendors at the market, 17 participate in Project FRESH. The market receives up to 100 coupons each month, she said.
"(The program provides) them any fruits and vegetables that are nutritionally adding to their diet," Pierce said.
The coupons cannot be redeemed for meat, eggs, anything that is already cooked or herbs other than parsley, she said.
The market requires eligible farmers to post yellow signs indicating they accept the vouchers, she said. Farmers who provide fruits and vegetables are eligible to receive Project FRESH coupons.
The market offers customers produce only grown in Michigan. Other products must be homegrown or farmer direct - which means a vendor received the goods from a neighbor or family member - or wholesale, Pierce said.
The program offers farmers a chance to educate consumers on the benefits of buying from farmer's markets.
"We try to provide the product, but we also try to educate the new consumer about what to expect," said Dennis Greenman, a farmer in Holt and vendor at the market.
"We see a lot of young mothers, and they're ready to start providing for their families, and they're able to get nutritional food," Greenman said.
