WIC Program makes changes to food package

MARSHALLTOWN — This October, for the first time in over 30 years, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will be making substantial changes to their food package. WIC programs, administered by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA), will begin issuing a new food package to participants.

“Food types, choices, and amounts are being updated,” said MICA Dietitian Justine Hoover “In addition, breastfeeding mothers will receive additional food support to help them continue and be successful with this important component of infant health.”

WIC food changes will include the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables through the use of a cash value voucher, whole wheat bread, and fat-free or one percent milk for women and children over the age of two. New food choices include brown rice, soft corn tortillas, and canned beans.

In accordance with 2007 dietary guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the
amount of milk, eggs, juice and cheese are being reduced for women and children, and juice is being eliminated from infant food packages altogether. These changes will help meet the goals of increased consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

“We’re excited about the upcoming changes,” said Hoover. “Participants will be better able to meet the recommended dietary guidelines. Increasing baby fruits and vegetables while eliminating juices will result in a more nutritious diet for infants. Many studies have shown that babies are often given more juice than necessary.”

Breastfeeding mothers will receive additional support with more variety and larger quantities of foods, including the addition of canned salmon or tuna for fully breastfeeding women. Fully breastfeeding infants will receive larger quantities and more types of baby foods after the age of six months.

The WIC program was created by Congress in 1972 to provide healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to health and social services for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children.

Mid-Iowa Community Action administers the WIC program in Boone, Hardin, Jasper, Mahaska, Marshall, Poweshiek, Story and Tama County.

For more information about WIC, call (800) 890-8230 (Boone, Hardin, and Story County residents) or (800) 390-5293 (Jasper, Mahaska, Marshall, Poweshiek, and Tama County residents), or visit www.idph.state.ia.us/wic/agencies.asp.