Shop with WIC at the farmers’ market

WIC benefits at the farmers’ market

Shopping at farmers’ markets is a healthy way to support your local farmers while adding variety to your meals. Your WIC Card’s special QR code allows you to use:

• The Fruits and Vegetables Benefit: This cash-value benefit is available year-round to help families buy more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• The monthly benefit amounts are:
  • $26 for children ages 1 to 5
  • $47 for people who are pregnant and postpartum
  • $52 for people who are breastfeeding
  • $78 for individuals breastfeeding more than one infant

What you can buy

With your California WIC Card’s QR code, you can purchase:

Fresh and organic fruit

Fresh and organic vegetables

Buy produce in season

Choosing seasonal produce is a great way to get the freshest flavors, support local farmers, and stretch your benefits. Here is what you can find throughout the year:

• Spring (March – May)

  • Fruits: Apricots, strawberries
  • Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, peas, spinach
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• Summer (June – August)

  • Fruits: Blackberries, raspberries, peaches, watermelons
  • Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, zucchini
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• Fall (September – November)

  • Fruits: Apples, pears, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes)
  • Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, kale, collard greens, mustard greens
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• Winter (December – February)

  • Fruits: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, tangerines)
  • Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, beets, winter squash
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• More tips for buying seasonal produce

  • Explore new options: Try fruits or vegetables you have not tasted before. Ask a farmer or a WIC Registered Dietitian for ideas on how to use your produce.
  • Plan meals around the season: Create meals using seasonal produce like fruit salads in spring, tomato-based dishes in summer, or soups in fall and winter.
  • Bring your family: Shopping together as a family can encourage kids to try new fruits and vegetables and make healthy eating fun.
  • Store produce properly: Make sure to store your fruits and vegetables properly to stretch your food benefits.
    • Apples - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Avocado - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Bananas - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Beets - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Berries - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Broccoli and Cauliflower - Too Good to Waste (PDF)
    • Citrus - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Corn - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Peppers - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Potatoes - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
    • Spinach - Too Good To Waste (PDF)
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How to shop at a WIC authorized farmers’ market

Step 1

Find a WIC authorized farmers’ market

Look for farmers’ markets near you using our location finder or the California WIC App. Look for the WIC authorized sign when at the farmers’ market.

Step 2

Shop for your produce

Use your monthly Fruits and Vegetables Benefit to shop for fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.

Step 3

Scan your WIC Card

Give your WIC Card to the farmer, who will scan the QR code to process your purchase. Confirm your purchase by entering your personal identification number (PIN).

Step 4

Enjoy your fresh produce

Take home fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables to create healthy meals for your family.