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Better Food, Better Health:
New WIC Food Packages
The Vermont State WIC Program will
begin issuing new food packages to our WIC families October 1st, 2009!
In response to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
recommendations, the USDA revised the WIC food packages to align with
current nutrition recommendations and support the key health messages:
eat more fruits and vegetables, increase whole grains and fiber, lower
saturated fat and cholesterol, drink less juice, and babies are meant to
be breastfed. To better promote and support the establishment of
successful long-term breastfeeding, the largest amount and greatest
variety of foods are provided to mothers and babies who exclusively
breastfeed.
Highlights of Changes:
·
Addition of fruits and vegetables (replaces
most of the juice)
·
Addition of whole grain bread and brown rice
·
Calcium-set tofu and fortified soy beverage
may be substituted for milk
·
Children over age 2 will receive 1% or skim
milk (whole milk for 1 year olds)
·
Replace juice for infants with baby fruits
and vegetables
The new food packages will
align with the dietary guidance for infants and children and the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
For more information, please visit,
http://healthvermont.gov/wic/providers.aspx
This is an
exciting time for all families who participate in the WIC program.
Please contact your local WIC office or the
WIC State office if you have questions or would
like more information
http://healthvermont.gov/local/district/
district_office.aspx
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