WIC Program Changes Finalized

USDA has finalized changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children - marking the completion of the first comprehensive revisions to WIC food packages since 1980. The changes increase access to fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says the updates make pivotal improvements to the program and better meet the diverse nutritional needs of mothers and their young children. He says the foods provided by the WIC program - along with education that focuses on the critical role of breastfeeding and proper nutrition - help ensure every American child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong. The changes provide a more than 30-percent increase in the dollar amount for children’s fruits and vegetables purchases; expand whole grain options available to participants; provide yogurt as a partial milk substitute for children and women; allow parents of older infants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables instead of jarred infant food if they choose; and give states and local WIC agencies more flexibility to meet the nutritional and cultural needs of WIC participants.

More information about the WIC program and the changes can be found at www dot fns dot usda dot gov slash wic (www.fns.usda.gov/wic).

Source:  NAFB News