WASHINGTON, DC - Back in May, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) shared its disappointment after the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture announced its decision to rescind the enhanced fruit and vegetable benefit (Benefit Bump) amount in the WIC program. The organization is now applauding the recent decision of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to fund WIC fully.
“We are grateful to Subcommittee Chair Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Ranking Member John Hoeven (R-ND) for a bipartisan appropriations bill that ensures the millions of women and children enrolled in WIC continue to receive fruit and vegetable benefits at levels reflective of federal dietary recommendations,” said Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition and Health. “Today’s benefit levels have resulted in young children consuming two cups of fruits and vegetables per day. We appreciate the Committee’s recognition of this important public health progress.”
This decision comes as part of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee’s passage of its Fiscal Year (FY24) funding bill, a release explained. The total funding of WIC includes the fruit and vegetable benefits amount staying at current levels consistent with the National Academy of Science’s recommendations.
“The Senate bill stands in stark contrast to the House agricultural appropriations bill that would cut fruit and vegetable benefits by 70 percent for women and 56 percent for children,” added Van Lieu. “IFPA will continue advocating for full funding of the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit throughout the FY24 appropriations process to ensure participants do not see a benefit drop come October 1.”
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