WIC rule is out

The interim rule establishing fruit and vegetable vouchers in WIC food packages will be published tomorrow. Also tomorrow will be a reception at the USDA celebrating the new WIC food packages. Congratulations to all who worked to make this happen, including dedicated public servants at the USDA and the cadre of industry and nutrition advocates who favored the long-needed change. Lorelei DiSogra has been very active on this issue, of course, and she noted United has secured a copy of the 110-page WIC rule. (interested parties are routinely allowed to see a rule on display and make a copy of it one day prior to its publication in the Federal Register) Much to follow from United and others on this watershed rule, which I will try to publish to the Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group by later today. One downer; we do know that white potatoes are excluded; the vouchers can purchase any combination of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, excluding white potatoes.

Below is a Food Research and Action Center communication about the interim rule:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's regulations for the new and improved WIC food packages became available today. The new WIC food packages improve the health and nutritional quality of the foods in the program, increase participants' choices, and expand cultural food options by offering fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread (with the option to substitute whole grain tortillas, rice or other grains) and the option of soymilk and tofu.

The addition of whole grains, a move to low-fat milk and the choice of a full range of fruits and vegetables strengthen WIC’s role in reducing obesity and improving nutrition. These reforms in the packages will empower mothers to choose healthy foods not only by providing resources but also by improving the availability of healthy foods in low-income communities. Farmers’ Markets can be allowed as WIC vendors for fruits and vegetables using WIC Farmers’ Market procedures or other special vendor rules.

USDA also included important related changes that ensure clients have access to the full amounts of appropriate WIC foods. In addition, new food package enhancements will better promote breastfeeding and expand support for medically fragile participants.

One shortcoming is that, by continuing to use self-imposed cost restraints, the Administration left the recommendations short of the full amount of fruits and vegetables and the option of yogurt recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Women will receive $8 and children $6 in fruits and vegetables each month, $2 less than IOM recommended. Only the small category of exclusively breastfeeding women will receive the full $10 in fruit and vegetable vouchers.
The next step is to make sure that the new WIC food package changes work “on the ground,” including in communities where accessing healthy food often raises unique challenges. States will have 18 months to plan and implement the new WIC food packages. It is important to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to help implement these changes in each state. The development of state WIC advisory councils, for example, can provide information and recommendations that ensure clients benefit fully from the new food package.

To learn more, see www.frac.org for up-to-date information, including a summary, a WIC advisory council fact sheet, and the value of the fruits and vegetables coming into your state. Tomorrow, we will link our website to the regulations when they are published in the Federal Register.

Contact: Geri Henchy (202) 986-2200 extension 3025, ghenchy@frac.org , Food Research and Action Center

To find out how to help maximize the value of the new WIC food packages in your state or community join us for the upcoming FRAC conference March 2-4, 2008 for panels and discussion on WIC food package planning and implementation.