| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 2793
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Authorizing individual farms to participate in the women, infants, and children program.
Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Chase, Sells, Haigh, Loomis, Williams, Warnick, Lantz, Green, Morrell, Sullivan, McDonald, Wood and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/08
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
Women, Infant, and Children Program
The Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program is a nutrition program that helps pregnant
women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy.
Nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and assistance with access to health care are
provided to low-income women, infants, and children through the Special Supplemental
Nutrition WIC Program. The WIC Program is funded by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and operated by the Washington State Department of Health (DoH).
The WIC Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides locally grown fresh fruits and
vegetables for WIC participants and lower income seniors. It also strengthens local economies
and communities by promoting Washington State agriculture. The WIC FMNP is part of the
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program.
The WIC Nutrition Program provides nutrition screening, health referrals, nutrition education,
and nutritious foods to supplement diets for low income families.
The WIC FMNP Program is funded by the USDA and Washington State General Funds. They
are administered through a collaborative effort between the DoH, Department of Social and
Health Services, Washington State Farmers Market Association, local WIC Clinics, and Area
Agencies on Aging and Senior Nutrition Providers. The FMNP follows the Washington
Administrative Code.
Summary of Bill:
The DoH shall adopt rules authorizing individual farms to participate in the Women, Infants, and
Children Program to provide locally grown, nutritious, unprepared fruits and vegetables to
eligible program participants.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested January 24, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.