Similac Cronobacter recall support is being offered by the USDA so WIC participants can exchange recalled powdered infant formula. Certain lots of Similac, EleCare, and Alimentum formula are being recalled for possible Cronobacter and Salmonella contamination after four infants got sick. The formula is offered through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is "strongly encouraging" agencies in affected states, territories, and tribal nations to take immediate action to make sure that WIC participants can exchange recalled baby formula and can use WIC credits to purchase product that has not been recalled. The agencies can request waivers of certain WIC regulations for maximum flexibility. The waivers that … [Read more...]
Study Finds WIC Improves Preschool Children’s Diet
A study conducted by the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, California has found that WIC (USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children) improves preschool children's diets. A change made in that program in 2009 provided more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat milk in the food voucher package. Diet quality improved for the 4 million children who are served by this federal program. Unfortunately, some in Congress want to cut this efficient and effective program. In the past few years, Republicans in Congress have tried to cut WIC funding, despite the fact that the program improves birth weight, decreases infant mortality, and improves food security. In fact, the program has faced an 8% cut in the past five years, and many WIC clinics … [Read more...]
Spending Bill Cuts $93 Million from WIC
The huge spending bill passed by Congress last week cuts $93,000,000 from the Women Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That program gives low-income mothers and children vouchers for food that meets nutrition guidelines. WIC has been one of the most successful government programs in history. Both WIC and SNAP add money to local economies. In fact, every five dollars in SNAP benefits generates nine dollars in community spending. And the food purchased by SNAP recipients generates 3,000 farm jobs. In addition, every study shows that WIC improves birth outcomes. Almost half of the participants in SNAP are children. Legislators did require the WIC program to add white potatoes to the foods on the allowed list, pandering to industry lobbyists. … [Read more...]
