DC FARMERS’ GUIDE

1. DC FARMERS’ GUIDE Season 2012

2. OBJECTIVES • ROLE OF FARMERS • HOW TO ACCEPT “GET FRESH” CHECKS • HOW TO ACCEPT VEGETABLE AND FRUIT CASH- VALUE CHECKS • MONITORING

3. Overview of WIC and Seniors Farmers’ Market Program The purpose is to provide fresh vegetables and fruit to women, children and seniors who are nutritionally at risk and to expand the awareness and use of farmers’ markets.

4. Authorization • Only approved farmers can participate in the WIC and Senior “Get Fresh" Program and WIC Vegetable and Fruit Cash-Value Check Program. • Complete the Application Packet • Attend face to face training for all first time farmers • Returning farmers are required to attend training every three years.

5. Application Approval Criteria • Farmers’ market or stands operate for a minimum of four hours at least one day per week • The Farmer must offer a minimum of three approved vegetables or fruit, 50% must be grown by farmer. • Application must be signed by your county extension agent. • Local-grown produce is defined as produce that is grown within a State’s boundaries, or in neighboring states adjacent (or in close proximity) to its boundaries (in this case, in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania).

6. “Get Fresh” Objectives • To improve the nutrition and health status of Seniors and WIC families • To increase the demand for and purchase of unprocessed fruits and vegetables • To expand the awareness and availability of farmers’ markets to District Residents • To increase the income of farmers!!!

7. Monitoring You will be monitored for the following: • Approved DC Sign- post in a highly visible place • Prices of food items posted • Sanitary conditions • Minimum variety of 3 items • Farmers allow participants to write in price and sign checks. • Checking for signatures on checks.

8. Monitoring 7. Farmers are not to accept WIC checks either before or after the valid period specified on the check. 8. Fair treatment of program participants and regular customers (no disparity) 9. Farmer should not accept altered checks 10. Be sure to ask for the WIC I.D. folder 11. Ensure you are on location at specified times 12. Do not give change back

9. Sanction Points • Farmers who fail to comply with Federal and State requirements are subject to fiscal claims, suspension, temporary and permanent disqualification. • Point System • 1 - 10 Warning Letter • 11 – 20 Mandatory attendance at specially scheduled training session, conducted by the WIC State Agency and submission of written documentation of corrective action taken to resolve the problems which led to the sanction.

10. Most Common Sanction Points • Farmer does not have sign posted • Farmer does not have prices of produce posted

11. Fair Hearing You have the right to appeal any adverse decisions including: • Denial of initial application for participating • Actions affecting your participating during the agreement period. • Denied reauthorization

12. Fair Hearings Office of Administrative Hearings 441 Fourth Street, NW Suite 540 South Washington, DC 20001 (202) 727-8280

13. Civil Rights • In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. • To file a complaint of discrimination, write UDSA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) &20-6382(TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

14. Procedures for Handling Complaints • Complaints will be accepted by mail, telephone, e-mail and fax. • Both parties involved in the complaint will be interviewed. • A monitoring visit will be conducted • A letter stating a corrective action will be sent to the party at fault. • A complaint form is found in the manual.