IFPA Welcomes USDA’s Updates to WIC Nutrition Program

April 9, 2024

Washington, DC – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce supply chain, welcomes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) updates to its Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), helping to ensure fruit and vegetable access for millions of families.

“These updates to WIC will be instrumental in improving nutrition security among some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “IFPA members across the supply chain look forward to an implementation of the food package that will allow for continued access to nutritious foods including the full variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available at retail.”

Today’s announcement will finalize previously announced proposed changes that include providing more flexibility to tailor food packages to accommodate personal and cultural food preferences and special dietary needs and makes permanent the fruit and vegetable increase participants have been enjoying since 2021. The changes align with recommendations from the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

The WIC program benefits millions of women and children in every community across the country at a time when many lack access to healthy food and nearly half of American children already do not eat a daily vegetable.

“IFPA has long advocated for the importance of a science-based approach in WIC and today’s announcement delivers on that work,” said IFPA Vice President for Nutrition and Health Policy Mollie Van Lieu. “We already know that WIC works at addressing health outcomes and the final food package will do even more to boost the general healthfulness of the WIC program and benefit the women and children it serves.”

IFPA Welcomes USDA’s Updates to WIC Nutrition Program

Additional Press