Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care and community services at no cost. In June of 2024, WIC plans to introduce a voucher for mothers to be able to purchase extra fruits and vegetables for their families as part of a well-balanced diet. Under the new rules, fruit and vegetable vouchers will provide $26 per month for kids ages 1 through 4; $47 per month for pregnant and postpartum mothers; and $52 for breastfeeding women. This permanent new rule is put in place to help fill the nutrition gaps that WIC families face. Shoppers will also be able to add canned fish, fresh herbs, and lactose-free milk to their carts. ■ louisianawic.org

This article was originally published in May 2024.