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WIC families get new and healthier food options
The federally funded program will begin offering whole grain breads, fresh produce.
BY AIMEE NILES - aniles@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2009 Idaho Statesman
Published: 07/04/09
Idaho's Women, Infants and Children program will change their food menu beginning Oct. 1 to add whole grain bread, corn tortillas, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
WIC, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, assists low-income women, infants and children with nutritional needs by providing supplemental items such as instant cereal, formula and milk, said Carolyn Conner, the Idaho WIC program manager.
The USDA decided to make the changes in 2007, but states had 18 months to comply, Conner said.
The changes will bring WIC in line with the USDA's dietary recommendations including more fiber, more fruits and vegetables, and less fat and sugar, said Angela Spain, program director for WIC for Ada, Elmore, Valley and Boise counties.
WIC has separate menus that are tailored to each client, and are based on their classification - pregnant, nursing or postpartum (up to six months) women, and infants and children up to age 5, Spain said.
The changes are across the board, including switching children after age 2 from whole milk to 2 percent, Conner said.
Each client receives a voucher or "check" from the WIC clinic that lists what they can purchase. The vouchers are redeemed at participating stores, Spain said.
Most national chains, as well as Idaho-based stores, are working with WIC, Conner said.
In the economic climate, WIC has seen an increase in the number of clients served.
On the state level, Idaho currently serves about 47,000 people, that's up 12 percent statewide, Conner said.
Barbara Burri, WIC coordinator for Southwest District Health, said that district serves 11,000 clients in Canyon, Adams, Payette, Washington, Gem and Owyhee counties - a 25 percent increase from last year.
"We've been extremely fortunate that the federal funding has been able to keep up with our case load for this year and next," Conner said.
WIC spends about $27 million a year in Idaho, Conner said.
Aimee Niles: 377-6439
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