Dec 17, 2014Congress approves white potatoes for WIC program
Through the combined legislative efforts of Sen. Susan Collins, (R-Maine), Sen. Mark Udall, (D-Colo.) and Rep. Mike Simpson, (R-Idaho), white potatoes are now included in the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
John Keeling, National Potato Council (NPC) executive vice president and CEO, said that Sen. Collins and Sen. Udall were responsible for the provision in the Senate legislation and Rep. Simpson was responsible for the provision in the House of Representatives legislation allowing all fresh vegetables, including white potatoes, to be included in the WIC federal supplemental food assistance program in the Consolidated and Continuing Appropriations Act, also known as the CROmnibus.
Language in the FY 2015 Omnibus Summary for Agriculture Appropriations included this paragraph: In addition, a provision is included to ensure that all varieties of fresh vegetables, including white potatoes, are eligible for purchase through the WIC program. The provision also ensures that science-based requirements are used to determine which vegetables will be allowed for purchase in the WIC program.”
The NPC issued this statement following passage of the CROmnibus: “NPC is pleased that the efforts of the potato industry recently came to fruition when the U.S. Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2015 funding bill which recognizes the nutritional value of fresh white potatoes in USDA’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. WIC mothers will now be able to use the vouchers provided by USDA to purchase fresh white potatoes just as they have been able to do with ALL other fresh fruits and vegetables. Increasing access to an affordable vegetable that is a valuable source of potassium and fiber, both of which have been identified by USDA as nutrients of concern for WIC participants will enhance the ability of WIC mothers to improve nutritional intact for them and their children..”
“
