LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky Women Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition program (WIC) food packages are being updated this month to meet new USDA nutrition guidelines, bringing more choices and flexibility for WIC families.
“Families won’t see changes to their current benefits until their next issuance, so be sure to keep your next WIC appointment,” said Summer Scott, nutrition and lactation program manager for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW). “At that visit, your nutritionist or nurse can help you switch to a new food package if you’d like. A new WIC approved food list will also be available in your WIC Shopper App.”
What’s new
More flexibility in product sizes, including whole grains and infant foods.
New food options will be available, including canned fish for women and children.
More whole‑grain choices and cereals.
New package options will also include substituting $3 in Cash Value Benefits for juice. Choosing beans or peanut butter instead of eggs and receiving up to two quarts of yogurt instead of milk.
What’s changing
Juice reduced to 64 ounces.
Whole grains adjusted to 48 ounces for most women and 24 ounces for children.
Some food packages now include one less pound of cheese.
Some yogurts, breads, and cereals removed due to updated nutrition standards or availability.
Scott noted, “Talk with your WIC nutritionist at your next visit to explore the new options and choose what works best for your family. Participation in the WIC program helps families improve the quality of diets, reduces premature births and low birth weight, in increases breastfeeding rates. Participation in WIC also increases access to prenatal care, immunizations and regular healthcare.”
More information on the USDA’s changes to the WIC program’s food packages can be found by going here.
