The Barry-Eaton District Health Department, (BEDHD) and local farmers are coming together to bring Project Fresh, a program that makes fresh, farmers market produce available to low-income, nutritionally-at-risk consumers, to Barry and Eaton county WIC participants who are pregnant, postpartum or have children from 1 to 5 years old. 

A coupon booklet, worth $25, will be given to WIC participants to be used at local farmers markets in summer of 2017 to buy fresh, locally grown produce.  All farmers participating in Project Fresh will have a laminated yellow poster which reads, “Project FRESH Coupons Accepted Here.”

For a coupon booklet,  Barry County WIC participants should visit the Hastings office of the BEDHD on Friday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 330 Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings.

For a coupon booklet, Eaton County WIC participants should visit the Charlotte office of the BEDHD on Thursday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1033 Health Care Drive in Charlotte.

One booklet will be given per family. While no appointment is required, there is a limited supply of the coupon booklets which will be given out on a first-come/first-served basis. Those with questions may call the WIC office in Barry County at 269-945-9516. //

BEDHD encourages everyone to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day for better health. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are naturally rich in nutrients, low in calories and fat, and are able to reduce health risks such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other diseases. Fruits and vegetables are the original fast and easy food.