Produce Perks Midwest and Green Umbrella’s Food Policy Council are pleased to release a new report that explores the process of digitizing nutrition incentives at farmers’ markets. The report, “An Exploration of Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs” assesses Ohio’s varying nutrition incentive programs, including Produce Perks and Produce Prescription (PRx) programming, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP), and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SMFNP).

The report includes insight and interviews from farmers’ market managers and vendors across Ohio; offering perspective on the varying payment methods, the increasing demand for a streamlined, digital version of these benefits, and the capacity and infrastructure challenges many markets face.

Produce Perks Midwest, the Ohio Nutrition Incentive Network, and state agencies such as OH Dept. Of Aging, OH Dept. Of Health, and WIC are working collaboratively to adopt digital incentives in the way that works best for consumers, farmers, and market managers. Through the Ohio Nutrition Incentive Network, multiple statewide partners work collaboratively to support and promote nutrition incentives programs in Ohio – directly increasing household food and nutrition security, improving health outcomes, and stimulating local food economies throughout Ohio.