WIC food list to change in October

There will be a few changes in the WIC program beginning October the 1st designed to provide more nutritious food to the nearly half million Florida Women, infants and children who take part in the program. Eligible women and children participating in the WIC program receive food checks that specify which food items can be purchased at any of the 2,000-plus authorized grocery stores in Florida. The program also provides nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care. Some of the changes include: the addition of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for mothers and 1 to 5-year-old children, the addition of baby food fruits and vegetables for all infants age 6 to 12 months, the amount of formula for infants is now variable based on the age and breastfeeding regime of the infant, and there is a new requirement that milk for women and children 2 years of age and older be 1-percent low fat or fat free. This is the first change to the WIC food package in nearly three decades. Florida WIC is administered through the Florida Department of Health and its services are available in all 67 counties at over 200 WIC clinic sites statewide. Anyone interested in WIC services should contact their local county health department to see if they are eligible.