The Chickasaw Nation Farmer's Market Nutrition Program will begin May 1, 2010

Release Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010
By Sharmina Manandhar, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office 

The program provides checks to eligible participants for the purchase of Oklahoma-grown fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized farmer's markets and farm stands throughout the Chickasaw Nation and surrounding areas.  Additional benefits include nutrition education and food demonstrations.

All Chickasaw Nation Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutritional Program (WIC) participants are eligible and will receive checks in local WIC offices during regularly scheduled pick up appointments.

Seniors are also eligible for participation if they:

• Meet income requirements
• Receive services from the Chickasaw Nation Division of Health
• Are Native American 55 years of age or older and a CDIB card holder
• Are Non-Native American 60 years of age or older living in a Native American household
• Are Disabled persons under 60 years of age living in housing for elderly with congregate nutrition services
• Are fully disabled Chickasaw citizens (as determined by SSI)

Applications can be received by mail or picked up at WIC and Food Distribution Program sites in Ada, Ardmore, Purcell, Tishomingo, Sulphur, Pauls Valley, Duncan, Marlow or Achille and will be accepted until Sept. 30. The application can also be found at www.chickasaw.net. 

The Chickasaw Nation Farmers' Market checks for eligible seniors and disabled Chickasaw citizens will be issued according to an issuance calendar that will be distributed with all applications. The issuance calendar will list the date, time and location for check pick-up.

Participants can redeem their checks until Nov. 30.

For more information, contact Jennifer Hayes at (888) 436-7255 or (580) 436-7255.