By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – Significant changes are coming in October to the Women, Infants and Children program.
WIC was created in 1974 as a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women and those with young children. Through WIC, participants receive vouchers to buy essentials such as milk, bread, eggs and cereal. Starting in October, WIC participants can also receive vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain bread and cereal, canned beans and canned salmon.
The changes ensure more women and children are getting essential vitamins and minerals in their diets, according to Kathy Blanke, WIC Coordinator for Douglas and Sarpy Counties. The changes to the WIC food package mean a reduction in the amount of milk, cheese, and eggs participants can buy through the program. Whole milk will no longer be an option, but soy milk will be.