June 5, 2024 3:40 a.m.

On Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the United Community Action Network’s Martha Young Service Center will host a Farm Direct Voucher distribution event.

UCAN Director of Health and Wellness Colleen May-Weir said the non-profit will be distributing Farm Direct checks to WIC participants. May-Weir said other programs will have booths providing information about other UCAN services. The Martha Young Service Center is on Kenneth Ford Drive, just north of Costco in Roseburg.

Each eligible WIC participant will receive one booklet containing seven, $4 vouchers totaling $28. Households with multiple WIC participants can receive up to five booklets. UCAN will distribute all booklets to eligible households at the same time. Those receiving vouchers can use them to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and cut culinary herbs. Vouchers can be spent anywhere in Oregon.

The UCAN release said the Farm Direct program helps families support local farmers and rural communities. Buying directly from farmers means they get 100 percent of every Farm Direct Dollar. Farm Direct Dollars can only be used to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and cut culinary herbs. Vouchers cannot be used to buy dried foods, jams, honey, plants, or fruits/vegetables not grown in Oregon.

UCAN WIC is a free program offering local families healthy food, nutrition education and a lot more. May-Weir said WIC helps improve the health of families and supports a healthy start for infants and children. WIC is for those who are pregnant, new and nursing parents, and children under age 5. To qualify, applicants must be part of a household on OHP, SNAP, TANF or otherwise meet income guidelines. Call 440-3516 for questions about the Farm Direct Program or for information on obtaining WIC services.