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The New WIC Food Packages—October 1, 2009

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16/29/09

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Food Package Beginnings...1974

The WIC food packages were designed to supplement participants’ diets with foods rich in five nutrients known tobe lacking in the diets of the WIC target population — vitamins A

and C, calcium, iron and protein.

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Institute of Medicine Recommendations 2005

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) provided USDA with a sound scientific basis for developing a new set of food packages for the WIC Program.

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The New WIC Food Packages….Tennessee Style

• Reinforce Nutrition Education Messages

• Increase Health Benefits

• Add Foods to Appeal to Diverse Populations

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Reinforce Nutrition Education Messages

• Eat more fruits and vegetables

• Reduce saturated fat• Increase whole grains

and fiber• Drink less sweetened

beverages and juice• Breastfeed your new

baby

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Increase Health Benefits

• Provide message about healthy eating

• Include healthier food choices

• Improve dental health

• Increase fiber intake

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Add Foods to Appeal to Diverse Populations

• Tortillas• Brown rice • Soy Beverage• Tofu• Fresh and frozen fruits

and vegetables for ethnic variety

• Canned salmon, sardines

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Summary

•Changes to the WIC food packages hold potential for improving the nutrition and health of program participants.

•New food packages reinforce the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

•WIC will continue to improve the programs positive contribution to the state’s health.

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