Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health has announced changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The program now offers increased funds for low-income families to purchase fruits and vegetables and allows greater flexibility in choosing foods from various cultures. This initiative aligns with new rules from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aiming to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

“These changes reflect the program’s commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and catering to the diverse nutritional needs of West Virginians. By offering a wider variety of healthy choices, WIC empowers participants to make decisions that boost the health of West Virginians who depend on this program,” said Heidi Staats, Director of WV WIC.

This announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of the federal program that supports low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five at nutritional risk by providing supplemental food, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education.

Further modifications include smaller package sizes, expanded substitution options for flexibility, and increased access to whole grains. “In a time of rising food insecurity and high food costs, increasing participants’ purchasing power for healthy foods is critical,” Staats added. “The Office of Nutrition Services will work diligently to implement the more complex flexibilities of the WIC food package final rule within the two-year regulatory timeline. However, families can immediately access the enhanced Cash Value Benefit to purchase fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables.”

For more information about WIC services or application details, individuals can contact their local WIC clinic or call 304-558-0030. Additional information is available online at https://dhhr.wv.gov/WIC.