The FY10 Agricultural Appropriations Bill passed by Congress last week provided a $2 boost in the value of the fruit and vegetable vouchers for 1.6 million WIC moms. This increase will bring the women's fruit and vegetable vouchers up to $10 per month as recommended by the Institute of Medicine.

United Fresh, in collaboration with the National WIC Association and the Food Research and Action Center, has worked intensely over the last five months to accomplish this policy change.  USDA will fast track the regulations governing the shift and state WIC agencies will likely implement this increase within the next three months.

This new benefit will be worth $41 million in additional fruit and vegetable purchases during this fiscal year.  A table estimating the value of this $2 monthly increase for fruits and vegetables for each state can be found here, highlighting the benefit to both WIC moms and the produce industry as a whole. In California, for example, the increase in voucher worth will mean an additional $7 million in produce sales for the state.

"United Fresh is thrilled with this increase for fruits and vegetables for WIC moms, but we remain fully committed and engaged in urging the Obama Administration and Congress to also increase the value of the children's fruit and vegetable vouchers which reach 4.7 million WIC children each month," said Dr Lorelei DiSogra, United's vice president of nutrition. For more information, contact Dr. DiSogra at 202-303-3400.