Marshall County Health Department (MCHD) recently partnered with the Marshall County Extension Office (MCEO) to bring fresh produce to families who participate in the WIC program.
Marshall County Master Gardeners have grown a 50-by-60 foot demonstration vegetable garden at the MCEO for the past three years. More than 500 pounds of fresh produce from the garden was donated to people in need, this year alone.
Master Gardener Dennis Riley led the Vegetable Garden Committee. Along with many other Master Gardeners, Dennis maintained the garden. Nikki Bell, Marshall County agriculture agent and Jennifer Shafer, SNAP education assistant have been working with local entities to distribute the produce throughout Marshall County to those who need it most.
Most WIC participants receive about $8 each month for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables through the WIC
program. Each bag of produce the Master Gardeners grew and donated was valued at $15.
The bags also included recipe cards specific to the types of produce received and information teaching safe storage and handling of foods to avoid cross contamination and harmful bacteria growth.