Vendor Presentation for New WIC Food Packages Peggy Lewis Jerry Orenstein Director Vendor Manager (Abbreviated Version, April 29, 2009)

Read the Food Instrument and Cash Value Voucher

Training Goals Vendors will have detailed knowledge of the new WIC food packages Ownership/Management and cashiers will be trained on new foods available on WIC Staff will be informed of changes to WIC Food Instruments (FIs) and the introduction of Cash Value Vouchers (CVVs)

Why Change the WIC Food Packages? Changes have occurred in the major health and nutrition risks faced by WICs target population including: diets lacking in whole grains and fruit and vegetables moms stop breastfeeding too early increases in overweight and obesity An increase in the ethnic composition of the National WIC population: Hispanics make up a growing percent of the WIC population Middle Eastern and Asian populations also make up a part of the WIC population in Tennessee

Food Package Changes Adds new foods Eliminates infant juice Reduces some milk, eggs, juice Allows only 1 year old children to get whole milk

And Now More Details About These Changes

Infant Food Changes 1.Infant juice not allowed 2.Infant fruits and vegetables allowed 4 oz jars of Stage 2 or 2 nd Foods Single foods only, no mixed foods Commercial brands allowed will be on Food List and Cashier Card No organic

Disclaimer Please note that all examples used in this presentation are representative samples of eligible and non-eligible WIC foods. Any product described as eligible is not specifically endorsed by the Tennessee WIC Program.

Green Beans Allowed – Ingredients: green beans, water – 4 oz jar – 2 nd foods

Applesauce Allowed – Ingredients: apples, water, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – 4 oz jar – Stage 2

Organic Bananas Organic baby foods are not allowed and no 3.5 oz containers

Infant Food Changes 3.When on FI, Infant meat allowed 2.5 oz jars of Stage 2 or 2 nd food Single type of plain meat or poultry in gravy or broth Commercial brands allowed will be on Food List and Cashier Card No organics Limited number of participants

Chicken & Chicken Gravy Allowed – Plain meat – In gravy or broth – 2.5 oz jar

Chicken Noodle Dinner Dinners are not allowed

Women & Children Food Changes 1.Juice Some FIs will allow only 64 oz containers (can or plastic) Some FIs will offer a choice of oz frozen or oz containers (can or plastic) Calcium fortified juices eligible No juice from dairy cases

2.Dairy Items -- When on FI Some FIs will allow only whole milk Some FIs will allow only reduced fat or fat free milk Buttermilk and evaporated milk allowed-

2.Dairy Substitutes: When on the FI Some FIs will allow tofu made with calcium salts (calcium set) in 14 to 16 oz packaging Some FIs will allow soy beverages Specific brands and flavors of soy beverages will be noted

3.Whole Wheat/Whole Grain products Eligible products must have whole wheat or whole grain as first ingredient. Bread, buns, rolls in 12 to 16 oz packages--- not from store bakery Whole wheat or soft corn tortillas in 12 to 16 oz packages

3.Whole Wheat/Whole Grain products Other whole unprocessed grains in 12 to 16 oz packages: Brown rice Bulgur (also known as cracked wheat) Whole grain barley Oats (not instant in packets)

4.Canned fish: When on FI Any brand tuna, salmon, sardines (except organic) packed in oil or water Light tuna in 5 to 6 oz cans (NO albacore) Salmon in oz cans Sardines in 3.75 oz cans No smoked products

WIC Announces a New Type of Voucher: Cash Value Voucher (CVV) Dollar amounts vary – READ THE CVV Used to purchase fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables excluding white potatoes Can pay difference No change given

Cash Value Vouchers (CVVs) The following are examples of allowable items

Read the Food Instrument and Cash Value Voucher

New WIC Food List Will be given to participants beginning October 1, 2009 Transition begins on October 1 and continues until January 1, 2010 CVV dollar amount varies: $6, $8, and $10

FI and CVV Color Change New FIs will be Orange Transition begins on October 1 and continues until January 1, 2010 During transition period you will see two different color FIs: green and orange

New Cashier Card Will look different Will be distributed to stores for use beginning October 1, 2009 During transition2 cashier cards will be used

What is the most important action to ensure compliance with the WIC Vendor Agreement? Correct– Read the Food Instrument and Cash Value Voucher!

Tennessee WIC website