Due to the hard work of advocates around the country, including FRAC and CFSC, the FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations provided a $2 increase to fruit & vegetable vouchers for women participating in WIC. Participants will now receive $10 a month (as opposed to the previous $8 provided) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. This increase was recommended by the Institute of Medicine, and will be implemented by USDA within 60 days. According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), “The value of these additional benefits will be approximately $55,000,000. Over the next five years these additional benefits will be worth a quarter of a billion dollars in additional fruits and vegetables for woman in the WIC program.” Visit FRAC’s website for more information and resources.
