The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced final updates to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to better reflect participants’ dietary and cultural preferences. The addition of sorghum also marks an important milestone in the nutritional status of American children and families.
WIC programs play a critical role in ensuring access to nutritious food for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five. The addition of sorghum to the expanded whole grain options on the National Approved Foods List provides participants with access to a versatile and nutrient-dense grain.
The Sorghum Checkoff remains committed to promoting the understanding and use of sorghum as a resource conservation crop® that contributes to agricultural diversity and food security. The inclusion of sorghum in the latest national WIC food package is expected to benefit more than 6.6 million mothers, infants, and children across the United States.
“This expansion provides essential nutrients for mother and baby growth and development. Sorghum’s versatility allows it to be used in a variety of ways to suit mothers’ and children’s food preferences, developmental stages, and dietary patterns. Updated National WIC Food Package Expansion The inclusion of sorghum in whole grain products means sorghum is a nutrient-dense grain that reflects the global food culture enjoyed in kitchens across the country. , RD, LD said.
Last year, the Sorghum Checkoff submitted formal comments for the Food and Nutrition Service to consider when revising and updating food packaging. This announcement reflects the culmination of efforts to promote sorghum as a versatile and nutritious grain suitable for inclusion in public nutrition programs.
A naturally gluten-free whole grain, sorghum is a powerful source of nutrients such as fiber, vegetable protein, and antioxidants. Recognition as a whole grain option by the WIC program is consistent with USCP’s mission to promote the nutritional benefits of sorghum and support its integration into a variety of food programs and initiatives. For more information on farm-to-school curriculum, recipes for kids, and more, visit SorghumCheckoff.com/educators/.
