MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Health Department will hold its first farmers market tonight from 3 to 6. Pam Palm, health promotions director, explained that the market will occur the third Tuesday of each month, in conjuction with an evening clinic that aids WIC (Women Infants and Children) clients.
The WIC programs, specifically the Farmers Market Nutrition program, have been available in Knox County for two years and provide coupons to purchase items such as fresh produce. Palm stated that the market is not in competition with other farmer’s markets in the county, but is meant to promote the WIC programs and “utilize produce from local farmers.” According to Palm, WIC clients are also able to use coupons at the Saturday Farmers Market in Mount Vernon, but having a market on the Tuesdays that late clinics are offered will make the produce more accessible.
Tonight’s initial market will provide items from at least six vendors, all of whom will accept WIC coupons. Vendors who are interested in participating can do so at no cost but must complete the necessary paperwork to sell to WIC clients. Interested vendors should contact Tami Ruhl, WIC director at the Knox County Health Department, by calling 740-392-2200.
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