Statement of  Presentation of the WIC Farmers Market Petition
                                                               
                                           Release No. 0376.98 


              Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman
                             for the
         Presentation of the WIC Farmers Market Petition
                   Thursday, September 17, 1998

     Today I received a petition in support of the USDA Women, Infants and
Children (WIC) Farmers Market Program from a coalition of farmers, market
operators and consumers.

     This program is a crucial part of USDA's anti-hunger and nutrition
assistance efforts. WIC Farmers Markets not only support local farmers, but they
also allow thousands of low-income families to have greater access to high-
quality, wholesome, nutritious food -- food that forms the foundation of healthy
diets and healthy lives. Making the connection between farmers markets and
America's nutrition efforts is an easy way to maintain our commitment to family
farmers at the same time we promote healthy eating.

     USDA has substantially increased its funding for the WIC Farmers Market
Program this year. We have awarded $12 million in grants to 32 states, the
District of Columbia and two Indian tribal organizations. This is a $5.25 million
increase from last year, and this Administration has proposed an additional
increase of $3 million in its fiscal year 1999 budget for a total of more than
$15 million.

     This year, we were able to make new grants to five states: Alaska,
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. As a result, more than one million
WIC participants can now purchase fresh produce at over 8,200 farmers markets.

     This program is a blessing for many families. Unfortunately, I am worried
about its future. While the Senate version of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization
Bill would continue funding this program, the current House version would not.
I am deeply concerned that if the House version is adopted, this vital
nutritional link to low-income families might be severed. 

     This petition shows the depth of support this program has in the farm and
anti-hunger communities. I hope that Members of Congress read it and make a wise
decision, so we can continue funding this important program. 

                                #
NOTE: USDA news releases and media advisories are available on the Internet.
Access the USDA Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.usda.gov