Delicious apples, juicy peaches, yummy blueberries, all Michigan grown fruits, that can be purchased at road side stands. Summer provides parents and children an opportunity to experience the taste of Michigan in new and exciting ways. Through Project FRESH, mothers and children who receive WIC benefits can pick up their coupons at their local health department and use them to purchase fresh produce at participating farmer’s markets.

Each qualifying participant can receive coupons that can be redeemed between June 1st and October 31st. Coupons can be used anywhere the yellow, laminated Project FRESH poster is displayed. With these coupons, families can purchase a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs including: broccoli, carrots, potatoes, squash, peaches, apples, tomatoes, basil, cilantro, dill, lemon grass, marjoram, oregano and parsley.

Additionally, Senior Project FRESH is a similar program aimed at helping older adults eat healthier as they age. The program provides participants free nutrition counseling and coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods sold at local farmers markets and roadside stands. Seniors in Branch County can get their coupons at the Branch County Commission on Aging/ H & C Burnside Center or at the Area Agency on Aging IIIC located within the Branch County Community Health Agency. Hillsdale County seniors can get theirs at the Perennial Park Hillsdale County Senior Services Center, and St. Joseph County seniors can get their coupons at the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging/ Rivers Enrichment Center in Three Rivers.