WASHINGTON, April 9, 2024 – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962, the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce supply chain, is a special supplement to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) We welcome updates on our nutrition program. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) helps millions of families ensure they have access to fruits and vegetables.
“These updates to WIC will help improve nutrition security for our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” said IFPA CEO Kathy Burns. “IFPA members across the supply chain look forward to the introduction of food packaging that enables continued access to nutritious foods, including the full range of fresh fruits and vegetables available in retail stores. ”
Today’s announcement finalizes previously announced proposed changes, including more flexible offers to tailor food packaging to personal and cultural food preferences and special dietary needs. , which will make permanent the increase in fruits and vegetables that participants have enjoyed since 2021.
This change is in line with recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine based on the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
In addition to making the latest increase in cash value benefits (CVB) permanent, IFPA has identified four notable additions to the rules.
• Participants may replace their allocated juice with an additional $3 CVB. Infants 6 to 11 months of age can receive CVB in lieu of half or full amount of bottled infant food. ($10/month for half, $20/month for full)
• Make fresh herbs available for purchase at CVB
• Make party trays of freshly cut fruits and vegetables without dressing or dip available for purchase at CVB
• Codify that white potatoes are allowed (this has been true for a while, but is now clearly documented).
WIC programs reach millions of women and children in every community across the country at a time when many women and children do not have access to healthy food and nearly half of American children already do not eat vegetables every day. is bringing benefits to.
“IFPA has long advocated the importance of science-based approaches in WIC, and today’s announcement makes that commitment a reality,” said Molly Van Lew, IFPA’s vice president for nutrition and health policy. said. “We already know that WIC is committed to addressing health outcomes, and the final food package will promote the overall health of the WIC program and improve the health of the women and children it serves. It will further contribute to the benefit.”
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and flower supply chain, and the only organization that seamlessly integrates global advocacy and industry support. This is a group of We exist to unite our industry to create a vibrant future for everyone. We help our members thrive through advocacy. Connect people and ideas. And it provides guidance that allows us all to act with purpose and confidence.
Contact: Siobhan May, SMay@freshProduce.com +1 (302) 781-5855
