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The fresh produce found at Camp Pendleton’s Commissary is just one of the hundreds of regional locations where Women, Infants and Children program participants can use the newly offered fruit and vegetable vouchers. The base’s commissary reports more than $1 million annually, in vouchers, spent by local WIC participants, according to Scott T. Hill, store director, Camp Pendleton Commissary, Defense Commissary Agency.

Photo by Pfc. Daniel Boothe

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WIC program now includes fresh fruits and veggies

28 Oct 2009 | Pfc. Daniel Boothe Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PEDNLETON, Calif. -- More than 37,000 military families throughout San Diego County are now benefiting from the healthier lifestyle changes made to the federal Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program on Oct. 1.

Local residents who receive food vouchers through the federal government's WIC program are now able to use them to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

“The food package was originally created in 1974 when WIC first began, addressing the nutritional needs of that time,” said Jennifer M. Stiff, marketing and community outreach manager, WIC, San Diego, Imperial Counties Chapter, American Red Cross. “The food package has not been updated since then, and obviously the nutritional needs of our community have changed pretty drastically since then.”

The changes came as a response to a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine in 2004 that determined the need for nutritional adjustments.

“These changes have been a long time coming and the foods are just healthier now,” added Stiff.

In addition to vouchers, averaging $50 to $150 for nutritious foods every month, WIC also provides nutrition education, breast feeding education and support, and referrals to other community resources.

“We are providing a lot of education to our participants as to why they should be drinking lower fat milks and eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables,” said Carol T. Coil, service area manager, WIC, San Diego, Imperial Counties Chapter, American Red Cross. “That is what really differentiates WIC from other programs, we don’t just give people checks. We teach them how to eat well with classes, cooking demonstrations and provide a lot of handouts,” she added.

Currently WIC offers their services by appointment at three locations on base, the San Onofre Community Center, Abby Reinke Community Center and Mainside’s Building 1131.

It’s great to see WIC offering healthier lifestyle choices, said Scott T. Hill, store director, Camp Pendleton Commissary, Defense Commissary Agency. WIC’s new changes are a huge benefit to the women and children involved.

“These changes are going to affect our entire community,” added Stiff.

For additional information contact WIC’s main office at (800) 500-6411 or log onto their official Web site at: www.fns.usda.gov/wic.