The Agriculture Department said on Tuesday that low-income women and children eligible for a food aid program would receive more cash for purchases of fruits and vegetables, with less assistance available for milk.
The final rule by the department puts the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, a federally funded program known as WIC, more in line with the government’s current dietary guidelines.
It is the first update to the program in a decade and will take effect in two years.
About 6.6 million mothers and children participated in WIC in the 2023 fiscal year, with an average monthly cost of $56 per person.
The Agriculture Department estimates that about half of those eligible make use of the program.
Persons:
” Cindy Long
Organizations:
Agriculture Department, Women, Agriculture, Food, Nutrition Service