Southwest Montana News

Ahead of the farmer's market season, Montana farmers are being encouraged to join the state's Farm Direct Program. Lacy Little, director of the Montana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which oversees Farm Direct, said, “This is an excellent opportunity for farmers to get additional sales on their locally grown fruits and vegetables. It also helps WIC participants access locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables during the summer months.”

Farm Direct operates through nine local WIC agencies: Gallatin County WIC, Lewis and Clark County WIC, Cascade County WIC, Flathead WIC, Riverstone WIC, Missoula WIC, Ravalli County WIC, Big Horn WIC, and Park County WIC. The program allows farmers to accept benefits from the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program at markets or stands.

The program defines farmers broadly to include both recreational growers and professional farms. Once authorized by Farm Direct, farmers can begin selling produce immediately. Mark Zerbe from Hardin shared his experience: “I am a farmer who chooses to sell my produce each summer right here in Hardin. I set up my stand in a convenient location and display my Farm Direct poster where it is easy to see on top of my stand. I am looking forward to this summer and will have more fresh veggies to sell.”

Typically about 125 farmers participate each summer from June 15 to September 30. They have until October 31 to redeem vouchers for payment at local banks.

Approximately 3,200 families benefit from Farm Direct annually. Participants receive $30 worth of vouchers per person for use at markets or stands; a mother with two children could receive $90 for the summer. Eligible foods include fresh fruits and vegetables but exclude items like baked goods or honey.

Interested farmers can contact Glade Roos at 406-444-2841 or groos@mt.gov for more information or reach out directly to any participating agency.

Montana's WIC includes 35 local agencies across all counties and reservations serving nearly 14,000 women and children. However only about 55% of eligible families participate.

Eligibility requires participants be pregnant or caring for young children under five while meeting income guidelines below 185% of Federal Poverty Level or qualifying for programs like Medicaid or SNAP.

Created in 1974 to support families during critical development stages by providing access to nutritious food among other services; participation does not interfere with other aid programs such as SNAP or Medicaid.

For more details on eligibility visit www.dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/wic/index or contact local clinics via signupwic.com.