For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2008

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office Of Public Information
(573) 751-6062

Supplemental program for Women, Infants and Children announces changes in approved food list

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Bureau of Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) and Nutrition Services today announced changes to the WIC Approved Food List.

“The WIC program is making some changes in which nutritious food items are offered,” said Lyn C. Konstant, Ph.D, RD and Chief of WIC and Nutrition Services. “As Missouri families make adjustments when food prices rise, we are making similar adjustments in WIC to make sure our food budget stretches as far as possible,” Konstant added.

Konstant noted that food prices have increased by 10 percent during the past six months, while participation in WIC has also increased 4 percent for the same time period. Konstant noted that WIC, which is federally funded, operates on a fixed annual budget.

In order to maintain current levels of service to participants and reduce the overall cost of the WIC food packages, the WIC program will include:

• Store-brand cereals
• Store-brand frozen juice
• 46-ounce cans of store-brand 100% juice

These products will be included in place of more-expensive name-brand products or products that have more expensive forms or packaging, such as juice in plastic bottles.

These changes are effective May 1, 2008. The program will provide a new printed food list for participants to use.

Konstant noted that in addition to cereal and juice, WIC provides a variety of nutritious foods to pregnant women, infants and young children, including milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, carrots, dried beans and peas and infant formula.

“Despite tightening budgets brought on by the rising cost of food and increasing participation in WIC, this move will ensure that WIC participants continue to receive nutritious foods and the program stays within its budget,” said Konstant.

People needing additional information or assistance should contact their local WIC provider.  A map of WIC providers can be found at www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/WICAgencies_Map.html.  For more information on WIC visit www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/index.html.