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Overview of the WIC Food Packages Proposed Rule

Food Packages

Learn about the new proposed changes to the WIC Food Packages 

The WIC food packages are getting a makeover! The proposed changes align with the latest nutrition science, increase variety and flexibility, and support individual breastfeeding goals of participants. As with the current food packages, the scientifically based proposed changes are designed to provide under consumed nutrients and improve the nutrition and health of WIC participants, while also appealing to personal and cultural food preferences.

The proposed revisions consider: 

  • Science-based recommendations from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, which conducted an independent review of the current WIC food packages and of the nutritional needs of those eligible for WIC. Recommendations are provided in a 2017 report, Review of WIC Food Packages: Improving Balance and Choice.   

  • The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, which includes specific recommendations for women who are pregnant or lactating, infants, and children under age 2 years.   

  • Information in the FDA-EPA’s 2021 Advice about Eating Fish, a science-based resource that supports the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines.  

You can view and comment on the WIC Food Package Proposed Rule, and visit these pages for additional information about the proposed changes to the WIC Food Packages:

  • The FNS WIC Food Packages is a resource page that includes current and historical information on the food packages.

  • The Press Release summarizes select key proposed changes, includes downloadable infographics, and provides an overview as to how the proposed changes support nutrition security and equity as well as fit in with other investments in WIC.

  • The WIC Food Packages Proposed Revisions Q&A’s provides information on common questions about the proposed rule.

 

How to Comment

The public, including WIC staff and participants, can help shape these suggestions by commenting on the WIC Food Package Proposed Rule. Make your voice heard by submitting your comments in writing via regulations.gov or other ways listed below no later than February 21, 2023.

A convenient way to submit comments is by selecting the blue “comment” button on the top left corner of the WIC Food Package Proposed Rule. Comments on the proposed rule may also be submitted via:

  • Regular U.S. Mail: WIC Administration, Benefits, and Certification Branch, Policy Division, Food and Nutrition Service, P.O. Box 2885, Fairfax, Virginia 22031-0885. 

  • Overnight, courier, or hand delivery: Allison Post, WIC Administration, Benefits, and Certification Branch, Policy Division, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, 3rd Floor, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.

Some public comments contain one-sentence or one-paragraph comments, while others contain many pages with supporting documents. Regulations.gov has Tips for Submitting Effective Comments.

 
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