WIC Fruit and Vegetable Benefits Get an Upgrade
Things are changing here at WIC! WIC participants have been enjoying increased fruit and vegetable cash value benefits and, as of January, are now able to purchase select fresh herbs and spices using their WIC benefits. Keep reading to find out more about these changes.
Increased Fruit and Vegetable Cash Value Benefit
The cash value of WIC fruit and vegetable benefits have temporarily increased. Previously, children received $9/month and adults received $11/month. Now, benefits range from $24/month for children aged 1-4 years to $47/month for exclusively breastfeeding moms. This bump has been approved through the end of March, but work is being done to help make this increase permanent.
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 90% of Americans fall short of recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, with only 11% of preschool-aged children meeting recommendations for vegetable intake. Research shows that fruit and vegetable consumption of WIC participants increased after a 2009 increase in the Cash Value Benefit. This bump in benefits, therefore, is likely to help WIC families come closer to achieving recommendations.
Fresh Herbs and Spices Now Covered by WIC
Along with higher overall fruit and vegetable cash benefits, WIC participants are now able to use their WIC benefits to purchase certain fresh herbs and spices: basil, garlic, cilantro, ginger, and parsley.
These approved herbs were chosen because they provide important nutrients, meet the cultural eating patterns of our Colorado communities, promote consumption of other nutrient-dense foods, and were frequently either requested through I Couldn’t Buy This on the WICShopper app or attempted to be purchased using WIC benefits.