New WIC rules include more money for fruits and veggies. They also expand food choices
Time:2024-05-21 10:48:30 Source:healthViews(143)
The federal program that helps pay for groceries for millions of low-income mothers, babies and young kids will soon emphasize more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as provide a wider choice of foods from different cultures.
The final rule changes for the program known as WIC were announced Tuesday by the Food and Nutrition Service, and will take effect within two years with some exceptions.
Last updated a decade ago, the new WIC rules make permanent a bump in monthly cash vouchers for fruits and vegetables — something first enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers can also add canned fish, fresh herbs and lactose-free milk to their carts, among other changes. The voucher piece will take effect by June, officials said.
“It places a heavy emphasis on fruits and vegetables, which we think is an important component of a healthy diet,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in an interview. “It’s designed to fill the nutrition gaps that are often in the diets of many of us.”
Previous:Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
Next:Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
You may also like
- The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
- How a barber helped change the views of a bigoted client
- Closure of HK's Music Zone leaves a hole in local indie scene
- South China Sea news: US
- Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
- Youth councillor 'shocked' by decision to axe council
- Reporters Without Borders rep. denied entry to HK, NGO says
- Brazil has over 190 thousand new formal jobs in October
- Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI