New Utah WIC Food Packages

Presentation Transcript

A Change to Address Nutrition Needs

Vendor Guidelines for Implementation

New Utah WIC Food Packages

Consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005

More fruits and vegetables
Emphasis on whole grains
Lower saturated fat and cholesterol

Provide foods that reinforce WIC nutrition education

Appeal to diverse populations
Support and promote breastfeeding
Improve nutritional content of WIC foods

New Foods include:

Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
Whole grain cereals
Whole grain breads
Baby foods fruits and vegetables
Baby food meats
Soy beverages
Tofu

New Foods include:

Brown rice
Bulgur
Oatmeal
Soft corn and whole wheat tortillas
Canned beans
Canned salmon, sardines, and mackerel

How Does the New WIC Food Package Rule Affect Retailers?

Transact and process Cash-Value Vouchers for fruits and vegetables.

A cash-value voucher is a fixed-dollar amount check which is used by a WIC participant to obtain authorized fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned and/or frozen). Fixed cash-value amounts are set at $6, $8, and $10 (These amounts could be split over two or more vouchers).

Stock and transact the new WIC foods.

Minimum Inventory:

At least two varieties of fruits, two varieties of vegetables,
At least one whole grain cereal authorized by the State agency
Additional food inventory requirements sufficient to redeem the standard food instruments for the rest of the new foods (especially the baby foods), will be implemented.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh - Any variety, fresh, whole; (non organic).
Canned - Juice or water packed without added sugars, no heavy syrup
Frozen – As authorized

Restrictions on Authorized Fruits and Vegetables

No added sugars, salt, fats, oils.
No white potatoes (orange yams and sweet potatoes are allowed);
No catsup or other condiments;
No pickled vegetables and olives;
No Soups

Baby Food

Any variety of commercial infant food, fruit or vegetable only, single flavor, without added sugars, starches, or salt (i.e., sodium).
Infant food meat with broth or with gravy. Any variety, single flavor.

Whole wheat bread/Whole grain bread/Other whole unprocessed grains.

Bread, Brown rice, bulgur (cracked wheat), oatmeal, and whole-grain barley without added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium). May be instant-, quick-, or regular-cooking.
Soft corn or whole wheat tortillas may be allowed at the State agency’s option. Whole grain must be the primary ingredient by weight.

Whole wheat bread/Whole grain bread/Other whole unprocessed grains.

Breakfast Cereals - At least half of the cereals authorized on a State agency’s food list must have whole grain as the primary ingredient by weight AND meet labeling requirements for making a health claim as a ‘‘whole grain food with moderate fat content’’

Canned Fish.

Light tuna; Salmon, Sardines; Mackerel (N. Atlantic Scomber scombrus, or Chub Pacific Scomber japonicus); - May be packed in water or oil. Pack may include bones or skin. May be regular or lower in sodium content

Canned Beans– as authorized
Tofu- Calcium-set tofu prepared with only calcium salts (e.g., calcium sulfate). May not contain added fats, sugars, oils, or sodium.
Soy-based beverages– as authorized

The Utah WIC Authorized Food Card will define specific types, brands, and sizes that will be authorized.

Redemption of Standard WIC Food Instruments

No change to redemption procedures except for the addition of the new foods in the description line(s).
There will be NO fruits or vegetables on a standard Utah WIC food instrument.

Redemption of Cash-value Vouchers

Cash-value vouchers will contain ONLY fruits & vegetables.

The cash-value voucher may be redeemed up to the maximum amount printed in the description line. For example: $6.00, $8.00 or $10.00

The store cashier MUST write the total purchase of the actual transaction amount. (The actual cost of the fruit & vegetables)
DO NOT exceed the maximum cash-value amount.
DO NOT give cash back to the WIC customer if the difference is less than the maximum cash-value amount