The whiff of sweet-smelling fruits. Distant noises of haggling customers. Best displays of seasonal harvests from the Valley. No place captures the essence of this year’s nutrition month theme better than a farmer’s market, where food brings us all together.
Proper nutrition offers children the much-needed building blocks for brain development and a strong defense against common diseases in the county. Find out how farmer’s markets and child nutrition programs, like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP), can support your family’s health goals this year.
Finding it challenging to put nutritious meals on the table? That’s where WIC makes a difference! WIC connects families to resources, including:
Plus: Local stores and markets work with Fresno EOC, so families like yours can use those WIC program benefits at local grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
But just how broad are WIC eligibility and services? If you’re a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or guardian of a child under five, you may be eligible for WIC based on income guidelines.
Supplementing your child’s dietary needs with regular health screenings and immunizations is critical. For over 50 years, the CHDP program has provided preventative healthcare for children and teens.
As of July 1, 2024, the program underwent significant changes, with its offerings now incorporated into Medi-Cal managed care plans and other healthcare programs.
Who qualifies for these services now?
Families can continue to access the same vital screenings and preventive care through new pathways. If you have questions or need clarification, call (559) 455-1500 or email us at inquiry@cmcfresno.com.
We may recall our parents prepping our lunch boxes with fruit slices and healthy sandwiches as adults. Nutritionists recommend a well-balanced diet based on the advised intake of vitamins, fiber, proteins, and minerals that support a child’s growth and brain development.
In addition, nutritious meals allow children to develop an immune system that can protect them from common childhood illnesses and persistent conditions, like obesity, now or during their teens.
Some families in Fresno face barriers to healthy choices, like limited income, a hectic schedule, and unawareness of the importance of nutrition. Child healthcare programs empower parents through the following resources:
These public health programs offer targeted support so your children are less likely to get sick and require costly care. When kids are strong and active, they can hit all their growth milestones and prepare for school without skipping a beat.
Besides grocery stores, you can use your WIC benefits in Fresno markets that sell locally grown produce. Some markets accept WIC EBT cards, while others have market-match programs so you can maximize shopping.
Clovis Farmer’s Market: Fridays (May 5–Oct 27) and Saturdays (year-round)
River Park Farmer’s Market: Tuesdays (year-round)
Fort Washington Farmer’s Market: Sundays (year-round)
“We don’t know what we would do without the River Park Farmers Market. They are our largest distribution partner in the Valley, ensuring that thousands of families receive vouchers that provide access to fresh, healthy food every week.” |
Apart from shopping fresh and carving healthy eating habits, you get to support the small businesses and local farmers in your community.
Fresno is home to various cultures and, by extension, flavors. At Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno, we welcome conversations about nutrition. Is pureed avocado better than mashed sweet potatoes? Can the toddler enjoy Khao Tom (rice porridge)?
In line with this year’s Nutrition Month theme, we believe that food brings communities together, so we support families who do their best to make dining a delightful experience for kids. You can trust our English- and Spanish-speaking pediatricians to help you find the best routine to encourage kids to experiment with different food choices or eating habits.
We can also refer your kids to a CHDP or WIC appointment for added nutritional support.
More guides:
Is your child too small or shorter than their peers? Are they getting sick more often? The lack of nutritional elements in their food could be the culprit.
As a parent or guardian, it’s tough to see your child struggle, but meeting nutritional needs for child development has its challenges. Limited time or income may hamper you from getting fresh fruits and vegetables. WIC, CHDP, and farmer’s markets can help you support your child’s growth, just as they have for countless parents in Fresno.
To learn more about public health programs and access nutritious food in Fresno, visit CMCFresno at our Cesar Chavez Boulevard or 805 Fresno Street clinics. Together, let’s map the best way to meet your child’s dietary requirements and improve their immune responses to common childhood diseases all year round.
Our compassionate, multilingual care team can help your child by:
We’re here to help your child get a good start in staying healthy and ready for school—book an appointment today.
