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Market managers raise concerns about WIC and Senior Project Fresh digital rollouts, praise Double Up Food Bucks
Summary
Staff reported concern about state digital transitions for WIC Produce Connections and Senior Project Fresh after a poor WIC rollout cut participating vendors dramatically; Double Up Food Bucks showed stronger performance. Commissioners said local outreach and vendor assistance will be necessary for the new year.
Market staff and managers reported on recent statewide meetings about electronic transitions for food-access programs and expressed concern about vendor participation. Attendees said the earlier WIC Produce Connections rollout reduced participating vendors from roughly 950 statewide to about 50 this year and, at one market, food assistance dollars fell from about $8,000 to zero.
Staff said state planners are now previewing a Senior Project Fresh electronic solution that will rely on QR codes and smartphones; managers warned the program’s early design lacks contingencies for farmers and seniors who may not have reliable wireless service or emails required for card validation.
Double Up Food Bucks was described as performing well, with markets reporting increasing reimbursement rates. Managers said they will likely need to do outreach and hands‑on sign-up help for both farmers and senior participants to ensure local participation in the new digital systems.
Quote: “We went from $8,000 a year about in food assistance with that program to 0,” one market manager said, summarizing local experience with WIC Produce Connections.
Outcome: Staff flagged the need for additional local effort to help farmers register and to support seniors in activating digital cards; no formal action was taken.
