USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has proposed changes to the foods prescribed to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. These science-based revisions incorporate National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recommendations and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
“USDA is committed to advancing maternal and child health through WIC, helping mothers, babies, and young kids thrive,” said agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack, in a statement. “These proposed changes will strengthen WIC—already an incredibly powerful program—by ensuring it provides foods that reflect the latest nutrition science to support healthy eating and bright futures.”
WIC food packages are designed to supplement the foods and beverages participants already consume while filling in nutritional gaps to support growth and development. The Food and Nutrition Service is proposing changes to align the food packages with the latest nutrition science and support equitable access to nutritious foods. The changes will also give WIC state agencies more flexibility to accommodate personal and cultural food preferences and special dietary needs and increase variety and choice in the packages.
“For the more than 6 million moms, babies, and young children who participate in WIC—and the millions more eligible to participate—these proposed revisions have the potential to make positive, life-long impacts on health and well-being,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services, in a statement.
The proposal also supports fruit and vegetable consumption by increasing the amount provided and the varieties available. Other proposed changes include:
• Expanding whole grain options to include foods like quinoa, blue cornmeal, and teff.
• Providing more non-dairy substitution options such as soy-based yogurts and cheeses.
• Offering lactose-free milk.
• Including canned fish in more food packages.
• Requiring canned and dried beans be offered.
• Adding flexibility in the amount of formula provided to partially breastfed infants.
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