Chippewa County Expands Farm Fresh Produce Program Access

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health has announced the expansion of a voucher program to buy fresh produce from local farmers.

According to a press release, the Farm Fresh Produce Program officially launched last year thanks to private donations. Qualified residents can receive vouchers through the program they can later redeem at approved farmers markets and farm stands in Chippewa County.

The program was initially only available to residents participating in the Women, Infants, and Children program, but thanks to additional funding from Aspirus Health it can now be expanded to include a number of food pantries throughout the County.

Four local food pantries will begin distributing Farm Fresh vouchers to Chippewa County individuals and families who may not qualify for WIC assistance. Those food pantries include Bloomer/New Auburn, Stanley/Boyd, CDC Outreach, and First Presbyterian.

Residents who receive the vouchers will be able to redeem them at the various approved locations through October, including at the Chippewa Main Street Farmers Market, Klinger’s Farm in Chippewa Falls, New Dawn Orchard in Holcombe, and Sunny Side Produce in Stanley. A full list of currently participating locations is available on the Chippewa County website.

The additional food assistance comes at a crucial time for Chippewa County as demand for that service continues to increase amid higher prices and federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Over recent months, Agnes’ Table and Community Center moved to a larger location at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls in order to accommodate more residents. Other food assistance organizations in the region, like Feed My People Food Bank, are also adjusting their services to improve efficiency as they respond to the increased demand.