Missouri WIC extends temporary increase of cash value of fruit, vegetable purchases

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) – The temporary increase of the cash value benefit for fruit and vegetable purchases for participants in the Missouri Women, Infants an Children program (WIC) has been extended starting October 2023 through September 2024.

Monthly amounts will be $26 for child participants, $47 for pregnant and postpartum participants, $52 for breastfeeding participants and $78 for women exclusively breastfeeding multiples. WIC is the Department of Health and Senior Services Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, according to Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.

Participants must contact their local WIC agency to schedule an appointment to load the additional benefits on their eWIC card before redeeming any October benefits. Those who redeem October benefits before receiving the increase will not receive it until November and must return to the local agency prior to update their eWIC card.

According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, 60,000 women and children per month are provided healthy fruits and vegetables. WIC families have the opportunity to shop for food at approximately 600 authorized WIC retailers throughout Missouri and can receive services at 115 local agencies. Additionally, WIC serves financially eligible women, infants and children under the age of five. Fathers, stepparents, foster parents, grandparents and guardians are also encouraged to apply for WIC benefits for any children in the household under the age of five, according to Missouri DHSS.

Missouri WIC offers nutrition education, breast feeding promotion and support, nutritious foods and referrals to health services. Additionally, it is one of the most successful, cost-effective and important nutrition intervention programs in the country, according to Missouri DHSS.

Missourians interested in learning about the benefits of WIC may visit wic.mo.gov or call TEL-LINK at 1-800-835-5465 to find the WIC local agency closest to them.