Families enrolled in the Warm Springs WIC program have a new resource this summer: fresh produce vouchers funded by a recently secured Farm Direct grant.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program began issuing Farm Direct vouchers on June 1, 2026, offering up to 113 eligible participants $28 in vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from participating farmers markets and farm stands.

Vouchers are valid from June 1 through November 30, 2026, and can be used at any participating market or farm stand in the program. They are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Get Vouchers

Eligible participants should visit the Warm Springs WIC Office to receive their vouchers. Vouchers are limited, so families are encouraged to inquire early. The WIC office is located on the Warm Springs Reservation.

For questions or to determine eligibility, contact the Warm Springs WIC program directly. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs WIC Program is an equal opportunity provider.

Why This Matters

Food access on the Warm Springs Reservation has long been a community priority. The reservation's remote location and limited local grocery options make programs like Farm Direct particularly valuable for families with young children, pregnant women, and postpartum mothers — the primary WIC population.

Farm Direct vouchers bridge the gap between federal nutrition assistance and local food economies, supporting both the families who receive them and the small-scale farmers and vendors who accept them. In a region where local agriculture plays a growing economic role, the program creates a meaningful connection between rural producers and tribal community members.

The grant is part of a broader Oregon effort to expand local food access through the WIC Farm Direct Nutrition Program, which has been operational across the state for several years with varying local participation.

Other Support Available

Jefferson County residents — on and off the reservation — who need food assistance may also want to check in with local food pantries, the Jefferson County SNAP office, and community programs at COCC's Madras campus. Earlier this year, Jefferson County was among Oregon counties to receive updated SNAP access rules designed to reduce barriers for rural households.

For more information about the Farm Direct grant program, contact the Warm Springs WIC Office or visit KWSO 91.9 online at kwso.org for Warm Springs community updates.