New York families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will be able to purchase more fruits and vegetables between June 1 and September 30, 2021. The federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is funding the temporary increase in monthly WIC benefits to help make healthy food options more available to families facing additional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 300,000 New York women and children now have increased access to additional fruits and vegetables during these four months.
The cash value benefit used by WIC participants on their eWIC card to buy vegetables and fruit as part of their WIC food package will increase temporarily to $35 a month for each WIC-eligible woman and child during the four-month period, up from $9 per child and $11 for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women. The benefit applies to all fruits and vegetables, fresh, frozen, or canned as well as any brand, variety, size, with no added sugar, syrup, artificial sweeteners, fat or oil. Organic fruits and vegetables are allowed.
“Good nutrition is key to mental and physical health, and expanding healthy food choices for WIC participants is one way we can help families be resilient during this very challenging year,” said Helene Rosenhouse-Romeo, Director of WIC and Nutrition, Ryan Health, and WIC Association of NYS Provider.
New York WIC is equipped to serve twice as many participants and welcomes everyone who is eligible to apply. New Yorkers can find out if they are eligible for WIC and apply by contacting their local WIC agency or calling 1-800-522-5006. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, supplemental nutritious foods, and connections to other community services. Learn more at nyswica.org.
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