America's about the only country on Earth where obesity is associated with poverty. Plenty of factors play into that – lack of access to decent foods in poorer neighborhoods, little nutrition education in schools, and the fact that crappy food is often cheaper and easier to get than fresh fruits and veggies.
That's why the Women, Infants and Children food program today changed its allowable foods so that food offered through the program better reflects current dietary guidelines.
WIC is available to pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk as determined by a health screening. Although WIC is income based (participants must make less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, currently at about $35,000 for a family of four), it's separate from the federal food stamp program. While food stamps can buy any type of food or beverage, WIC is limited to certain types of more wholesome foods high in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C.
Unfortunately, that means some less-than-ideal foods such as juice, cheese, and eggs are part of the WIC supplement. Breastfeeding women who receive the special breastfeeding supplement qualified for up to one pound of fresh carrots per month, but no other fresh fruit or vegetables were included. Now, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be purchased with WIC vouchers, and families can substitute oatmeal or brown rice for whole-wheat bread.
Although this sounds good on the surface, some of it is a little concerning. It cuts the amount of milk WIC families can purchase by one-third, for example, and reduces the monthly allowance for eggs from two and a half dozen to one dozen.
Nutrition information is part of the WIC food package, which amounts to $37 per month per family. More than 8 millin eople use the program.
