BLOOMINGTON -- A program this summer should help low-income women and their children to eat healthfully while supporting local farmers.

The Illinois Farmers Market Nutrition Program has begun its second year in McLean County, said Kim Anderson, program coordinator for the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program through the McLean County Health Department. WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for low-income women and their children who have a medical or nutritional risk.

Thirty-two Illinois counties - including McLean - have received USDA grants through the state. The grant money is being used to allow WIC clients to get fresh, healthful produce at local farmers markets.

"It's a nice way to promote fruits and vegetables to our clients," Anderson said.

McLean County has received 550 bundles of coupons, with each bundle containing five, $3 coupons. Each client may get one bundle, which may be used to buy fresh fruits or vegetables grown in Illinois and sold by farmers who have registered with the state.

Bundles became available in McLean County on Monday. The first opportunity to use them in Bloomington will be at the July 4 farmers market and the first opportunity to use them in Normal will be the July 7 farmers market.

Normal's farmers markets continue through September. Bloomington's continue through October.