Press release (IFPA)
WASHINGTON – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce supply chain, is a leader in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Welcoming Updates (WIC) helps millions of families ensure they have access to fruits and vegetables.
Kathy Burns, IFPA
“These updates to WIC will help improve nutritional security for our nation’s most vulnerable populations.” IFPA CEO Kathy Burns. “IFPA Members across the supply chain are looking forward to the introduction of food packaging that will ensure continued access to nutritious foods, including the full range of fresh fruits and vegetables available in retail stores. ”
Today’s announcement finalizes previously announced changes, including more flexibility in tailoring food packaging to personal and cultural food preferences and special dietary needs. It makes permanent the increase in fruits and vegetables that participants have enjoyed since 2021. This change is consistent with United Nations recommendations. Based on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
In addition to making the latest increase in Cash Value Benefits (CVB) permanent; IFPA We identified four notable additions to the rules.
- This allows participants to replace their allocated juice with an additional $3.00 in 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 available without dressing or dip available 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 lack 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 for the importance of science-based approaches at WIC, and today’s announcement makes that commitment a reality.” IFPA Molly Van Lew, Vice President for Nutrition and Health Policy; “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 Fruits and Vegetables Association (IFPA)
International Fresh Foods Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international organization serving the entire fresh food and flower supply chain, and the only organization that seamlessly integrates global advocacy and industry support. 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.
