Healthy Food Info

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What can you buy with a QUEST (EBT) Card at a farmers’ market?

SNAP

Allowed: SNAP-eligible food items and food producing plants and seeds. This includes fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, poultry, bread, cheese, and pasteurized milk.

Not Allowed: Food that is meant to be eaten as soon as it is purchased. Example: food you would get at a store or restaurant that is ready to eat, such as hot tamales or fresh, unwrapped baked goods.

WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Allowed: Locally grown, fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs for human consumption. Examples: apples, lettuce, green beans, berries, celery, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs.

Not Allowed: Non-produce items such as cheese, meat, baked goods, cider, or nuts.

Storing and Keeping Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Follow these tips to keep fresh fruits and vegetables safe for eating:

Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling produce.
Wash all surfaces and utensils (cutting boards, counter tops, knives, etc.) with hot water and soap before and after preparing fruits and vegetables.
Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under cool running tap water, even those with skins and rinds that are not eaten.
Rub or scrub firm-skinned fruits and vegetables with a clean vegetable brush while rinsing under running tap water.
Never use dish soap or bleach to wash fruits and vegetables.
Store fresh fruits and vegetables separate from eggs, raw meat, poultry, or seafood in the refrigerator.

Seasonal Availability of Wisconsin Vegetables

Click the thumbnail below to view a large sized version of our Wisconsin Vegetable Seasonal Availability Chart:

Kids in the Kitchen

Your children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if you serve them often for meals and snacks. Sometimes liking new foods takes time. Try these tips to encourage your children to choose and eat more fruits and vegetables.

1. Let your kids be produce pickers.
At the market, let them help choose fruits and vegetables. Point out various kinds of fruits and vegetables. Discuss your favorites. Talk about the colors and textures. Let your child pick out something new.

2. Let children help cook.
Even very young children can help in the kitchen. They can wash berries, tear lettuce, remove the silk from corn, scrub potatoes with a brush and more. If you let children help, they are more likely to eat what you prepare.

3. Eat together.
Make mealtime fun and relaxed. Turn off TVs and cell phones and talk during mealtime. Try new fruits and vegetables together.

4. Be a healthy role model.
Your kids learn from watching you. Eat fruits and vegetables for meals and snacks and your kids will, too.

5. Surround your child with healthy choices.
If you give a child the option between an apple or a candy bar, most will choose a candy bar. But if the choice is between an apple and a peach, the child will choose an apple or a peach. Both are great options!

Healthy Food Info