#United States #Richmond, Virginia #Healthy Together #Farmers Market #Virginia DARS

Virginia's Farmers Market Nutrition Program Goes Digital

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) and Healthy Together have teamed up to introduce a cutting-edge digital solution for the Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (S/FMNP) in 2025. This new technological advancement promises to streamline the administration of the program, significantly benefiting seniors and WIC families across the state.

Traditionally, the program operated on a paper-based coupon system, which posed numerous challenges in terms of efficiency, ease of use, and accessibility. DARS recognized the need for modernization and selected Healthy Together, a software company specializing in digital solutions for government agencies. By implementing a mobile application and web-based platform, the transition to a fully digital system allows for a more intuitive user experience for administrators, farmers, and program participants alike.

Enhanced Features and Benefits

The adoption of this digital platform represents a monumental shift in the way eligible seniors and WIC families access fresh produce from local farmers' markets. Key features of the new system include:

• - Streamlined Administration: Program administrators can manage applications, issue benefits, and track participation with a more efficient process. This reduces the workload involved in overseeing the program and allows for easier access to necessary data.
• - User-Friendly Design: Participants can navigate the app with ease, making it simpler to check benefits, find local markets, and select from available produce. The user experience has been prioritized to ensure that all eligible users can take full advantage of the program.
• - Increased Access to Fresh Produce: This digital tool not only facilitates a more efficient servicing of participants but also improves access to nutritious food for those who need it most.

Impact on the Community

DARS Commissioner Kathy Hayfield emphasizes that this transition to digital platforms marks a significant advancement in Virginia's efforts to enhance food security. "Offering greater ease for participants, farmers, and staff ultimately leads to improved access to fresh, locally grown produce for eligible seniors and WIC families," she said.

Healthy Together CEO Jared Allgood mirrored these sentiments, expressing excitement over the expansion of their partnership with Virginia. Drawing on their successful experiences in Maryland and Florida, he believes the digital solutions they provide can significantly enhance food security across the states. By facilitating better access to nutritious food, Healthy Together aims to uplift local farmers along the way.

About the Partners

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS)
DARS is dedicated to enriching the lives of older Virginians and individuals with disabilities. Through partnerships with various agencies and community organizations, the department helps provide essential services that promote independence and dignity. The Farm Market Fresh program is a resource aimed at connecting low-income seniors and WIC families to nutritious food options at farmers' markets.

Healthy Together
Healthy Together thrives as a leading provider of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions tailored for government programs. The organization is committed to innovative design and efficiency, enhancing the delivery of services such as Summer EBT, Medicaid, and WIC. By continuously modernizing operation systems, Healthy Together allows governments to save on costs while improving service delivery.

For more details about the Farmers Market Fresh program and the digital platform's functionalities, visit vda.virginia.gov/farmmarketfresh.htm.

Conclusion

As Virginia prepares for the 2025 season of the S/FMNP, the introduction of an innovative digital solution is a promising step toward enhancing the experience for all stakeholders involved. The collaboration between DARS and Healthy Together not only signifies progress in increasing efficiency but also ensures that vulnerable populations can enjoy consistent access to healthy, locally sourced food. This initiative exemplifies how technology can make a significant impact on public health and wellbeing.