KENTUCKY (WFIE) – Kentucky’s WIC program is rolling out major updates to its food packages.
New food packages are being introduced this month, and health officials say many families will benefit from increased flexibility in their food choices.
“You’re not going to lose benefits at the end of the day. These changes are meant to help improve the products that families are able to purchase. So that’s the ultimate goal,” Ethan Martin, a health educator at the Green River District Health Department, said.
The updated packages will allow more flexibility at the store, including additional size options for whole grains and expanded choices for infant fruits and vegetables.
The packages will also add new items such as canned fish, more whole grain options, and a wider variety of cereals.
“The ultimate goal with all of these changes is to allow for more flexibility for participants. We know families are different. So what works for one family may not work for another,” Martin said.
Some items, including certain yogurts and cereals, will be removed because they no longer meet updated nutrition guidelines.
“The WIC program is amazing, and many families benefit. But there’s always room for improvement, right? So that’s kind of the goal with these changes is there’s that improvement as well to allow for that flexibility,” Martin said.
The updates also adjust the quantity of some items. Juice has been reduced to 64 ounces, and some packages now include one less pound of cheese.
New options include substituting $3 of the Cash Value Benefit for the 64 ounces of juice or choosing two quarts of yogurt instead of milk.
Officials say these changes aim to ensure the WIC program is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
“Every family operates differently. You know, you have to factor in allergies, you have to factor in food sensitivities, things like that. So all of these changes are going to help factor all of that in,” Martin said.
Participants are encouraged to check the WIC Shopper app before heading to the store to review the updated list of approved foods.
“The WIC program is great, and it’s not going anywhere. These changes are meant to improve families’ lives and ensure they can meet their needs,” Martin said.
Officials also remind participants that while the new packages offer more flexibility, not all item sizes will fully use the benefit amount, and any unused benefits will not roll over to the next month.
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