Farmers Markets WIC

Written by admin@pcpierce.com on June 11, 2011. Posted in Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and began in the 1990s to provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets to low-income families and seniors. Each eligible family receives $20 in vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at WIC-approved Certified Farmers’ Markets in California during the season, from May through November. California operates the largest WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program in the nation. In 2010, 149,200 WIC families, 1100 certified farmers, 430 certified farmers’ markets participated in the program.

Fruit & Vegetable Checks

In October 2009, WIC Food Benefits were changed to include produce items and we accomplished this by introducing a  fruit & vegetable check.  In May 2010 WIC staff trained farmers at selected markets to accept the fruit and vegetable checks and WIC families were provided information about the new farmer vendors.  The three types of checks that may be used at farmers’ markets are listed below.

Outlook and Salary

Written by admin@pcpierce.com on March 24, 2011. Posted in Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

The job outlook for nutritionists is average of July 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Opportunities are expected to grow nine percent between 2008 and 2018. WIC nutritionists will see fluctuating job opportunities based on economic environment, with greater opportunities in developed WIC nutrition states like California, Maine and Texas.

Case Management

Written by admin@pcpierce.com on March 24, 2011. Posted in Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC nutritionists monitor client dietary progress and ensure families are properly utilizing their benefits to meet their nutritional needs. Some nutritionists may assign food logs to help families determine what needs are still going unmet. WIC nutritionists are often in contact with healthcare providers and express any concern over dietary deficiencies or excesses to the proper medical support so changes can be made. If necessary, WIC nutritionists refer clients to other agencies that can assist with medical difficulties or concerns such as Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Benefits

Written by admin@pcpierce.com on March 24, 2011. Posted in Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC nutritionists are required to help determine benefits based upon need. This will require communication with other state workers (such as social workers or human service workers) to ascertain eligibility for WIC benefits. After determining their nutritional needs, the WIC nutritionist will then make a dietary plan that fits their benefit eligibility. Working closely to ensure that WIC benefits can satisfy basic dietary needs, the nutritionist may then outline supplementary dietary needs based on client history and possibly refer clients to food stamp programs to assist with additional costs.

Assessment

Written by admin@pcpierce.com on March 24, 2011. Posted in Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

One of the major job duties of a WIC nutritionist is to assess the nutritional needs of an entire family. This requires knowledge of both adult and child nutrition standards. WIC nutritionists will conduct a client intake, determine current diet and compare that against the ideal nutritional requirements for all family members. After assessing their needs, along with their deficiencies and excesses, the nutritionist will often make a plan to improve their regimen.

Education

Written by admin@pcpierce.com on March 24, 2011. Posted in Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC nutritionists must hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, health sciences or a related field. Most employers require a minimum of two years of job experience or internship experience as a general nutritionist to be eligible for WIC nutritionist positions. Some states offer lower-level nutrition consultant positions that require only a bachleor’s degree. California, for example, has several WIC positions, from registered dietitians to dietitian consultants to degreed nutritionists. WIC nutritionists there must also go through an apprenticeship program and training period before becoming WIC certified.

WIC Dietitian

Written by admin@pcpierce.com on March 24, 2011. Posted in Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

The WIC dietitian provides community based nutrition programs focused on improving the nutrition status of women and children. They provides community education and outreach regarding the benefit of WIC services and the importance of good nutrition. Assists in developing press releases and media publicity for WIC services and educational information for the target population. Responsible for coordinating with lay outreach workers.

Prescribes food packages and diet plans for participants based on their medical and nutritional needs according to women, infants, and children (WIC) program policies. Writes and issues vouchers for WIC approved foods. Determines WIC eligibility of clients through nutritional, health and medical, and income evaluations and assessments. Confers with public health staff regarding food and nutrition problems of clientele. Completes and submits periodic program evaluation reports, and develops and implements program guidelines. Reviews, recommends, and selects nutrition education and visual aid materials for educating participants, staff, and community groups.

WIC Dietitian Job Description