New Healthy WIC Foods Available in Minnesota August 1

Important changes to the foods provided by the Women,
Infants and Children Nutrition program (WIC) will increase access to
healthy fruits and vegetables in underserved populations in Minnesota
and throughout the nation, according to the Institute for Agriculture and
Trade Policy (IATP).

The WIC changes, which take effect in Minnesota on August 1, are the
first major overhaul of the foods available in the program's 35-year
existence. The WIC program is a federally funded nutrition program
for lower-income and nutritionally-at-risk pregnant and breast feeding
women, their infants and young children. The WIC food package has
always included vouchers for milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, infant formula
and other items. Now, all retail food vendors that are authorized to accept WIC vouchers will be required to make several varieties of fresh
fruits and vegetables available at all times. The Minnesota WIC program
currently serves more than 141,000 participants each month.

"Many low-income communities around the state don't have easy access to supermarkets and often have to rely on smaller corner stores
for their groceries. Fresh produce is often scarce in those environments.
These changes will make fresh fruits and vegetables more available to
WIC participants and enhance the health and well-being of WIC mothers
and children across the state of Minnesota," said IATP's JoAnne Berkenkamp.

IATP, a leader in supporting greater access to healthy foods in under-served communities, is partnering with the Minnesota Department of
Health (MDH) to promote the WIC fruit and vegetable changes and help
small stores access a steady supply of high-quality produce. New posters and point-of-sale materials featuring fresh fruits and vegetables will
help make healthy options visible at corner stores across the state.
IATP works locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice
to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm and trade systems.