Food Assistance

Senior Project Fresh

The Farmington Farmers Market is pleased to register and participate in Senior Project Fresh again this market season. This state-run program, operated in conjunction with the USDA, provides farm fresh locally grown produce to seniors, age 60 and above.

As of early April 2023, it had not been announced what the value of the coupons will be. In the past, it has been $2 for qualifying Seniors, issued in a booklet of 10, for use only at farmer's markets.

Reach out to Robin Danto, Food and Nutrition Coordinator at the Oakland County MSU Extension Office for more information and how to receive a coupon book.

Says Robin, "I believe the Senior Market FRESH program has such great value. Not only does it help get fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables into the hands of seniors who need them to maintain their health, but it also improves our economy by supporting local farmers who live, shop and invest in our communities. It also brings awareness of farmers markets and the benefits they provide to our communities and the people who support them."

For more information contact Robin at this new number: 248-215-6307. Robin may also be reached by email at dantor@oakgov.com.
Robin Danto, M.S.
Extension Educator
Food Safety and Nutrition
Oakland County MSU Extension
1200 N. Telegraph Road
Department 416
Pontiac, MI 48341
NEW: 248-215-6307

Types of Produce that may be purchased with Senior Project Fresh Coupons

Apples Blackberries Blueberries Cantaloupe Cherries Cranberries Currants Elderberries Grapes Peaches Pears Plums Raspberries Strawberries Watermelon Howell Melons Rhubarb Parsnips Salsify & Scorzonera Bok Choy Peas Brussels Sprouts Rutabagas Scallions Celeriac Spinach Corn (not ornamental or popcorn) Sprouts Sunchokes Cucumbers Eggplant

Swiss Chard Greens (all) Kale & Collards Tomatilla Kohlrabi Leeks Turnips Lettuce (all) Watercress Asparagus Beans (all) Beets Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Mushrooms Onions (all) Peppers (all) Potatoes & Sweet potatoes Pumpkins Radishes Squash Tomatoes Artichoke-Cardoon Jerusalem Artichoke Shallots Burdock Chickory Lovage Basil

Marjoram Chives Mint Cilantro Oregano Cutting Celery Dill Rosemary Epazote Sage Garlic Summer Savory Sorrel Lemon Balm Tarragon Lemon Grass Barley Grass Thyme Fennel-Finocchio Parsley Horseradish Wheatberries Saskatoon berries Honey, all kinds Other items are eligible if they are Michigan-grown and NOT processed.

 

Project Fresh WIC

Project Fresh WIC (Women-Infants-Children) is a food assistance program administered by the Michgan Department of Health & Human Services WIC Division and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, with funding provided by the USDA.

The Farmington Farmers Market is authorized for participation in Project Fresh WIC, providing eligible clients with fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Coupons are distributed to clients through agency staff at designated WIC clinic sites, where clients learn about redeeming coupons along with selecting, storing and preparing fresh produce.  WIC Project Fresh Clients receive booklets of five coupons valued at $5.00 each for a total value of $25.00.

The Project Fresh W-I-C program begins June 1st.  Coupons are valid for use at the Farmington Farmers Market through October 31st. Look for signage at participating farmers 
  
 
 

Partnership with CARES

The Farmington Farmers Market is proud to add yet another food assistance program to its list by partnering with CARES of Farmington Hills. The program brings together CARES director Todd Lipa and longtime market farmer Steven Goetz of Goetz Farm & Greenhouse of Riga in an effort to get the goodness of freshly grown produce to the clients of CARES, or Community Action Resources Empowerment Services. 

Each Saturday, Goetz's unsold produce at the end of the market day will be loaded onto a CARES truck and taken to the group’s newly installed walk-in refrigeration units at their home at the site of the former St. Alexander's Church on Shiawassee in Farmington Hills. CARES clients in need of food assistance will now benefit from direct access to the nutrition found only in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s another way the market fulfills its mission of providing direct access to fresh locally grown produce to everyone.

“The more than 600 families and over 1,400 individuals who shop at CARES will appreciate the fresh produce each week,” said Lipa, also a co-founder of CARES. “It’s people like the Goetz Family that help us feed our hungry neighbors.”

For more on CARES, visit http://caresfh.org.

Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House is a local charity supported totally by our local community that provides help to local needy families, children, and individuals in Farmington and Farmington Hills.  Neighborhood House is an affiliated organization with the Farmington Area Goodfellows and is in its fourth decade of making a difference in our community helping local families, children, and individuals who are in need.   

Over the last two years, Neighborhood House has provided financial assistance to nearly 475 local needy families and individuals with vital support helping them with their rent, temporary housing, heating bills, electric bills, and water bills.  Neighborhood House also has provided food from its food pantry to nearly 325 local needy families and individuals over the last two years, as well as referrals to other agencies and resources in the area and region that provide help

The farmers market is a direct partner with the Neighborhood House, providing fresh fruits and vegetables from our farm tables to eligible clients.  To learn more about this program please call 248-871-2848


   


 

EBT Bridge Cards

The Farmers Market does not accept EBT Bridge Cards. But our presenting sponsor and nearby neighbor Fresh Thyme Market does accept them. For more information, call the store at 248-699-5343.   The cards are also accepted at the drive-up pantry and store of C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills, a local non-profit community resource that offers comprehensive support services for individuals and their families in the Farmington Hills area. The Market works closely with C.A.R.E.S., supplying them with fresh produce and other necessities donated by market farmers and vendors. For more information, call 248-474-8231. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services administers the Bridge Card program in Michigan. For more information on applying or to learn more about this program, call the customer hotline at 888-678-8914 to speak directly with a customer service representative.