Grainnet

Washington, DC -- National Farmers Union told the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week that more should be done to increase coordination and purchasing of farm fresh products for families as part of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

The program, known as the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), serves to safeguard the health of low-income women and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.

WIC provides nutritious foods to supplement families' diets, provides information on healthy eating and referrals to health care practitioners.

In a letter Nov. 3 to USDA commenting on changes to the program, NFU President Tom Buis said that the organization is very supportive of WIC and the many other food and nutrition programs administered by USDA.

"Ensuring that all food and nutrition programs are as effective as possible and that the programs benefit farmers, ranchers and fishermen as well as the less fortunate who rely on these programs should be a high priority," Buis said.

Specifically, NFU called for increasing additional WIC program purchases of fruits and vegetables, allowing eligibility for seasonal vendors into the WIC program and increasing purchases of foods from farmers' markets.

"USDA should work to increase WIC coordination with food producers," Buis said.

"Their goal should be to connect farmers to the program directly to retain value of quality differentiated food products while assisting those in need."

"I am hopeful that as they go forward, USDA will do more to work with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen and get them more involved as vendors for the WIC program," Buis said.

For more information, call Emily Eisenberg, NFU, at 202-314-3104.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• National Farmers Union

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