Southeast Montana News

RiverStone Health has announced a partnership with local vegetable and fruit growers to increase the availability of fresh produce for families with young children. This initiative is part of the Farm Direct program of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program.

The Farm Direct program enables farmers to accept WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits at various points of sale including farmers markets, roadside stands, or even their farms. All families currently active in WIC are eligible to receive $30 per person aged four months and older. These funds can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets or other places where local producers sell these foods.

For instance, a family with a pregnant woman and two preschoolers can receive $90 in fruit and veggie vouchers to use at local farmers’ markets that accept the vouchers.

RiverStone Health WIC serves eligible families in Yellowstone, Stillwater, Carbon, and Musselshell counties. Producers in these counties interested in participating in Farm Direct may contact RiverStone Health WIC directly.

All Farm Direct training and paperwork must be completed by June 15. Kate Monger, RiverStone Health WIC manager, encourages farmers to engage with the program as soon as possible.

In addition, the Gardeners’ Market sponsored by the Health By Design coalition will host Farm Direct sellers on Thursday afternoons in South Park starting from June 13 through the first Thursday of October. There is no fee for selling at Gardeners’ Market but vendors are required to attend one brief orientation session scheduled at Billings Public Library Community Room.