WIC to increase fruits and vegetable benefits for four months with American Rescue Plan funding

Starting June 1, 2021 Sonoma County’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) families will receive a temporary increase in their monthly WIC fruits and vegetables benefit thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

California Department of Public Health, Women, Infants and Children Program is increasing allocations to $35. Currently, children ages 1 to 5 receive $9 per month, and pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women receive $11 per month. The increase will run from June 1 through Sept. 30 with benefits good for 30 days from the date issued. For example, benefits issued on September 27 can still be used through October 26, 2021.

The fruits and vegetables benefit has a significant impact on the dietary quality of WIC families. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the prevalence of chronic disease and strengthens the immune system. This increased benefit will allow Sonoma County families enrolled in the WIC program to buy and consume more healthy fruits and vegetables.

WIC families can also combine their fruits and vegetables benefit with WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks for even more purchasing power at farmers’ markets. The checks are issued in addition to regular WIC benefits between May and November and can be used to buy fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from WIC farmers, farmers’ markets or roadside stands.

California residents can learn more about the summer fruit and vegetable increase and the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program by going to MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov or calling County of Sonoma WIC at (707) 565-6590.