Idaho WIC temporarily increases food benefits

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will see a temporary increase in their June through September benefits for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Idaho received $2.4 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to boost the Cash-Value Benefit (CVB) for WIC participants by more than three times the current amount for up to four months to provide additional relief during this difficult time. The additional money will also increase revenue for Idaho’s WIC-authorized grocery retailers.

The Cash-Value Benefit allows program participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their WIC food package. Under normal circumstances, the monthly CVB is $9 per child and $11 for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women. The American Rescue Plan allows state agencies to temporarily provide up to $35 per month for women and children. These additional funds will increase the purchasing power of WIC participants so they can buy and consume more healthy fruits and vegetables.

WIC provides nutritious supplemental foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, cereal, juice, beans, peanut butter, infant formula and infant foods at no cost to qualified families. WIC services also include health screenings, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding information and support, help from registered dietitians, and referrals to community services.

The average Idahoan enrolled in WIC receives approximately $45 of healthy foods per month. There are currently about 31,000 people per month receiving Idaho WIC assistance.

To apply for WIC or for more information about WIC in your area, go to signupwic.com, call the Idaho CareLine at 211, or visit wic.dhw.idaho.gov.