A bill seeks to temporarily quadruple the fresh produce voucher benefit for participants in the Women, Infants and Children’s program.
The WIC Benefit Flexibility During COVID-19 Act (HR 6726), introduced by Reps. Kim Schrier, D-Wash., and Ron Wright, R-Texas, allows states to increase WIC cash value vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables to $35 until Sept. 30, according to a news release.
Currently, the WIC program provides $9 for children and $11 for women each month for fruits and vegetables, according to the release. The bill permits states to request the waiver from the USDA for the enhanced vouchers to automatically go to WIC recipients, according to the release. In January, the government said more than 6.2 million mothers and children participated in WIC, and that number is expected to rise because of economic hardship related to COVID-19.
“The WIC program is fundamental to getting nutritious food to young children and pregnant women during important times of development,” Schrier said in the release. “This bill will help women and children to continue to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables during a time when staying healthy is very important and it will increase demand for these products at a time when farmers can use the help.”
United Fresh Produce Association president and CEO Tom Stenzel praised the lawmakers and said the legislation is needed.
“By now, we are all well aware that the fallout from the coronavirus has brought immense challenges to those who are food insecure, including those who have recently fallen on hard times,” Stenzel said in the release. “This legislation is an extraordinary step in recognizing that the current WIC benefit for fruits and vegetables is simply inadequate in helping young children and their mothers access enough fruits and vegetables to meet dietary recommendations and prevent diet-related chronic disease.”
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