Interim Final Rule Aligns WIC Food Packages with Dietary Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week released an interim final rule that revises the food packages provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The changes, which are intended to provide a more diverse and nutritionally balanced package of foods, would decrease the amount of milk and cheese provided to participants to make room in the WIC budget for more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The interim rule is designed to align the food packages more closely with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and will be implemented by August 5, 2009. Members may login below to read IDFA's detailed Hotline on "USDA Releases Final Changes to WIC Food Packages."