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Public Policy Resource Center
Advocacy Resource Center
Produce for Better Health Foundation
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In the first comprehensive revision to WIC in almost 30 years, the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food packages will now include a monthly voucher to enable WIC moms to purchase a wide variety of nutritious fruits and vegetables. The interim rule, which was published in this week’s Federal Register, will also drive more than $500 million a year in incremental sales for fruits and vegetables. More than 8.4 million low-income women, infants, and children participate in WIC each year and, with implementation of the interim rule, WIC moms will receive a fruit and vegetable voucher for $8 per month, WIC children will receive a voucher for $6 per month and breastfeeding mothers will receive a voucher for $10 per month. According to United Fresh Vice President of Nutrition and Health Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, “This is a landmark day for the health of America’s children, and also for the produce industry. This small step will have a mammoth impact on the health of WIC families.” Lorelei joined others at a celebratory press conference yesterday, during which Acting USDA Secretary Chuck Conner, Undersecretary Nancy Montez Johner, former Senator Bob Dole and the Rev. Douglas Greenaway of the National WIC Association emphasized the addition of fruits and vegetables and whole grains to WIC food packages and stressed the importance to improving the nutrition and health of low-income pregnant women, their infants and children. “I was honored to participate in the WIC celebration. USDA thanked all of us for our tireless efforts over the last decade to revise the WIC food package,” said DiSogra. Former Senator Bob Dole, along with former Senator George McGovern, authored the original WIC legislation in the 1970’s. United Fresh is committed to smooth implementation of this new program, and will continue to work with our members, USDA, the National the WIC Association and state WIC agencies. For more information, please contact Lorelei, 202-303-3403.
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