Project Fresh: Free Coupons To Purchase Michigan Grown Fruits And Vegetables

Kalamazoo, Mich.- Fresh Michigan produce is beginning to arrive at area farmer’s markets; it's time once again for the USDA Project Fresh program. Project Fresh provides nutritional education, as well as supplemental coupons for Michigan grown fresh fruits and vegetables, to participating Women, Infants, Children Program (WIC) families and to qualifying Senior Citizens.

A growing body of research shows that fruit and vegetables are critical to promoting health. Fruit and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help prevent chronic diseases.

Families who participate in the WIC program at the Kalamazoo County Department of Health & Community Services can receive Project Fresh coupons on Tuesday, July 14th from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market on Bank Street. MSU Extension will provide nutrition education regarding the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. For more information regarding the HSD/WIC schedule, call (269)373-5002.

The Family Health Center WIC program will also be distributing Project Fresh coupons in collaboration with MSU Extension on Thursday, July 16th and Saturday, July 18th at the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information regarding the FHC/WIC schedule, call the FHC/WIC office at (269)349-2647.

Senior Project Fresh coupons will be distributed on Thursday, July 23rd, from 8:30 a.m. until coupons are gone. MSU Extension will be at the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market to engage seniors in fun, informative experiences that will increase their knowledge of nutrition, the use of fresh produce in the diet, and proper food safety. Learning will occur in the relaxing, stimulating and social atmosphere of the open-air Farmer’s Market. Eligible seniors must be 60 years of age or older, live in Kalamazoo County, and have incomes at 185% or below the poverty level. Coupons will be given out on a first come/first serve basis until they are gone. For information on this program, please call (269) 383-8910.

Eligible participants will receive a booklet of coupons to redeem for fresh produce at merchants displaying the Project Fresh sign. The coupon booklets have a $20.00 value; each booklet contains ten $2.00 coupons. No money will be exchanged during the Project Fresh transaction. Coupons can be used at any designated Michigan Farm Market or roadside produce stands displaying the Project Fresh sign and are redeemable until October 31, 2008.

For more information on this or other programs, please call (269) 383-8830, or visit MSU Extension-Kalamazoo County's web site at www.kalcounty.com/msue.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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