Dallas WIC Program
The Dallas WIC Program is set to bring exciting benefits to its participants through the changes proposed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in November 2022. According to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, in a press release on USDA.gov, these changes will strengthen WIC, which is already a powerful program committed to advancing maternal and child health.
Local Impact Of the WIC Program
The local impact of these changes is significant as the current 71,635 participants of the Dallas WIC Program will be affected. It is worth noting that 45% of WIC benefits in Dallas are received by children under the age of 5, followed by infants and breastfeeding parents. However, some local offices are not informing participants that they can make public comments with the USDA. Despite this, the USDA claims that the changes will support equitable access to nutritious foods based on the latest nutrition science.
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Dallas WIC participants are seeing some changes through pilot programs, including an increase in the fruit and vegetable benefit-dollar allowance. This has allowed them to explore different fruits and vegetables that they may not have otherwise tried. Additionally, the city of Dallas WIC Program has partnered with Grow Texas Farmers Market, where participants can use their current benefits and receive an additional $30 in fruit and vegetable.
According to Regulations.gov, the proposed changes by the USDA include increasing support for breastfeeding parents and families, expanding whole grain options, providing more non-dairy substitutions and lactose-free milk options, improving access to canned fish, and increasing the fruit and vegetable benefit dollar amount by three to four times. These changes seek to reduce racial disparities in maternal health, and it is the program’s honor to encourage health and wellness through nutrition and breastfeeding education and support for Dallas families.
The USDA is accepting public comments online through February 21st, and WIC participants interested in knowing more about the option for open comment can contact Dallas WIC Program employees, who are well-equipped to handle inquiries. Overall, the changes proposed by the USDA will bring exciting benefits to the Dallas WIC Program and its participants, promoting a healthier future for families.
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