Changes to WIC food programs by the USDA means more money for fruits and vegtables [Video]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) — The United States Department of Agriculture last updated the WIC guidelines in 2014. The changes were proposed to the USDA in November 2022 and recently approved.

“It’s especially important that we are taking a look at the updates to the dietary guidelines, so we have had updates to the dietary guidelines, so we just want to make sure we are meeting the Nutritional needs of our members,” says Tara Williams the WIC Coordinator for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, “They are also allowing for more flexibility, so more choices for those with food sensitives or cultural preferences.”

States and WIC programs have two years to comply with the new changes, but they could make those changes sooner.

“Some of the changes have already occurred; back in 2021, there was a temporary increase for fruits and vegetables benefit, the cash value that they get. So that actually …