08/07/06

American Dietetic Association Supports USDA’s Changes to WIC Food Packages

FOR RELEASE AUGUST 7, 2006

Media contacts: Jennifer Starkey, Tom Ryan    
800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4894
media@eatright.org

CHICAGO - The US Department of Agriculture’s proposed changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children food packages, announced by the USDA on Monday, August 7, are based on sound science and will do much to improve the nutritional health of all WIC recipients, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Noting that the proposed revisions to the WIC food packages are the most comprehensive changes in WIC’s 32-year history, registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Lona Sandon said: “ADA has long supported enhancing the nutritional content of the WIC food package, to meet changing needs and emerging evidence.”

The proposed changes would add fruits and vegetables and whole grains to WIC packages and modify the amounts of some current foods. “The WIC food package revisions are consistent with the science-based 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which ADA and its members were instrumental in developing,” Sandon said.

“As we seek the best options for the WIC package, increased understanding of the importance of nutrition and its relationship to long-term health leads us to look to the overall diet,” Sandon said. “Taking a broad approach to meeting nutritional needs can prevent nutrient deficiencies and other consequences of poor nutrition such as obesity.”

ADA supports the increased flexibility of choice offered by the proposed WIC package. “These changes will better meet the needs of WIC recipients and reflect the growing cultural diversity of the WIC population,” Sandon said. “For example, allowing women to choose or substitute enriched soy beverages or tofu for dairy milk will help people with a milk protein allergy meet their calcium needs,” Sandon said.

Thousands of registered dietitians work as WIC nutritionists, providing education to women and children at WIC clinics throughout the country. “Registered dietitians will be WIC recipients’ best source of advice on maximizing their health and their families’ health under the new guidelines,” Sandon said. “RDs will assist our clients in choosing foods that are accessible, nutritious and culturally and medically appropriate.”

With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit ADA at www.eatright.org.

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