- April 19, 2024
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by: Gretchen Smith
PIO, Florida Department of Health in Flagler
The American Rescue Plan Act authorized State WIC (Women Infants and Children) Agencies on March 12 to enhance the WIC benefit for a period of four months. This enhancement expands the monthly vegetable and fruit voucher from $9 for children and $11 for women to $35 per month, per participant. WIC’s vegetable/fruit voucher, known as the Cash Value Benefit, is credited with improving the dietary quality of WIC participants and reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity among WIC toddlers.
Florida WIC started implementing this new CVB increase June 1. All women and their 1- to 4-year-old children who participate in the WIC Program receive an increase in their fruits and vegetables cash voucher to $35 per participant, per month. For example, a pregnant woman and her 2-year-old will receive a total of $70 cash voucher to use on fruits and vegetables per month between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2021. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned. Any brand, variety, size, with no added sugar, syrup, artificial sweeteners, fat or oil. Organic fruits and vegetables are allowed.
“This special offer will definitely benefit our WIC families,” said Michelle Morrell, WIC director for the Flagler County Health Department. “It has been a hard year for many in our community and providing families with additional savings at the grocery store this summer will be greatly appreciated.”
For more information on enrollment and eligibility for the WIC Program at the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County visit our website or call (386) 437-7294.
