This press release published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
On March 12, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) authorized State WIC Agencies to enhance the WIC benefit for four months, expanding the vegetable and fruit voucher from $9/month for children and $11/month for women to $35 per month, per participant. WIC’s vegetable and fruit voucher is known as the Cash Value Benefit (CVB). The CVB is credited with improving the dietary quality of WIC participants and reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity among WIC toddlers.
Florida WIC will be implementing the CVB increase beginning June 1, 2021, until September 30, 2021. All women and children between 1 and 4 years old who participate in the WIC Program will receive an increase in their fruits and vegetables cash vouchers to $35 per participant per month. For example, a pregnant woman and her 2-year-old child will receive a total of $70 cash voucher to use on fruits and vegetables per month from June until September 2021. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen, or canned. Any brand, variety, size with no added sugar, syrup, artificial sweeteners, fat, or oil are eligible. Organic fruits and vegetables are allowed.
For more information, contact customer service representatives Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 352-225-4343 or 1-800-494-2543.
