Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA)

Local WIC Providers

Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA) is a new initiative, developed jointly by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and the National WIC Association (NWA).  The purpose of VENA is to improve the nutrition services in the WIC Program by establishing standards for the assessment process that is used to determine WIC eligibility.  VENA will also individualize nutrition education, referrals and the food package prescription to each WIC participant.

Missouri’s timeline for VENA Implementation:

December 15, 2006 – The State WIC office submits the VENA Self-Evaluation to USDA.

August 15, 2007 – WIC State Office submits the VENA Implementation Plan to USDA.

October 1, 2007 – September 30, 2009 – Development and rollout of VENA.

October 1, 2009 – VENA fully implemented in Missouri’s WIC Program.

For More Information:

To learn more about VENA check out the FNS web site. The VENA information is listed in the Women, Infants and Children section Topics A – Z. The FNS website includes the following:

• Frequently asked Questions
• Executive Summary of the VENA Guidance
• VENA Information for WIC Program Managers
• VENA Information for WIC Nutrition Staff
• Full VENA Guidance Document