MCHD’s Project Fresh helps eligible families obtain fresh produce

MARQUETTE COUNTY — The Marquette County Health Department has rolled out this summer’s Project Fresh to help eligible families in need.

Project Fresh is part of the Women, Infants, & Children Supplemental Nutrition Program. Those qualified for the WIC Program include income-eligible women who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, and children ages 1-5.

Project Fresh provides certified WIC clients with coupons to be used at participating farmer’s markets to obtain Michigan–grown produce.

This project helps families in need of fresh produce each year, something that is especially important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think right now there are more eligible people out in the community that have been able to utilize our benefits and services due to the high unemployment rate,” said Sarah Engstrom, MCHD Maternal Infant Health Director. “And this is supplemental food, so it helps supplement families’ food needs. And then other another benefit that our program provides is connection to other community resources too, which is really important right now.”

WIC clients can receive coupons at the pickup location outside the Marquette County Health Department. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible and wants to learn more can call (906) 475–7846. More information on WIC is also available here.