Expanded food options for WIC announced by the West Virginia Department of Health

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) addressed new changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children – commonly known as WIC.

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The program increased its funds to help support low-income families in need and provide access to a variety of different foods such as fruits, vegetables, and foods from other cultures as well.

This new rulings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helps with the dietary guidelines for a healthier and more livable lifestyle.

“These changes reflect the program’s commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and catering to the diverse nutritional needs of West Virginians. By offering a wider variety of healthy choices, WIC empowers participants to make decisions that boost the health of West Virginians who depend on this program,” said Heidi Staats, Director of WV WIC, housed within DH’s Bureau for Public Health.

To honor the 50th anniversary of this program, the changes are also designed to help provide supplemental food, health care referrals, nutritional education for low-income pregnant woman, and to give infants and children up to five years old the nutritional values that they need.

These changes include smaller package sizes, food substitutions, and access to whole grain foods.

“In a time of rising food insecurity and high food costs, increasing participants’ purchasing power for healthy foods is critical. The Office of Nutrition Services will work diligently to implement the more complex flexibilities of the WIC food package final rule within the two year regulatory timeline. However, families can immediately access the enhanced Cash Value Benefit to purchase fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables,” Staats added.

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To learn more about WIC and how to apply, call your local WIC clinic, or call 304-558-0030.  Additional information is available online at https://dhhr.wv.gov/WIC.

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