Veggies, fruits increase under WIC program
On March 12, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) authorized state WIC agencies to enhance the WIC benefit for a period of four months, expanding the vegetable and fruit voucher from $9 per month for children and $11 per month for women to $35 per month, per participant. WIC’s vegetable and fruit voucher is known as the Cash Value Benefit. The CVB is credited with improving the dietary quality of WIC participants and reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity among WIC toddlers.
Florida WIC will implement the CVB increase beginning June 1 until Sept. 30. Women and children ages 1-4 who participate in the WIC Program will receive an increase in their fruits and vegetables cash voucher to $35 per participant, per month. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned and any brand, variety, size, with no added sugar, syrup, artificial sweeteners, fat, or oil. Organic fruits and vegetables are allowed.
Information on enrollment and eligibility for the WIC Program can be found on the Florida Department of Health in Lee County at http://lee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/wic/index.html. To schedule a WIC appointment, call 239-344-2000.