OCALA, Fla.—In March, the American Rescue Plan Act authorized state WIC agencies to enhance the WIC benefit for a period of four months, expanding the vegetable and fruit voucher from $9 per month for children and $11 per month for women to $35 per month per participant. WIC’s vegetable and fruit voucher is known as the cash value benefit, or 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 increased CVB from June 1 until Sept. 30, 2021. All women and children ages 1 to 4 years old who participate in the WIC program will receive an increase in their fruits and vegetables cash voucher to $35 per participant per month. For example, a pregnant woman and her 2-year-old child will receive a total of a $70 cash voucher to use on fruits and vegetables each month from June to September 2021. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned. Any brand, variety or size with no added sugar, syrup, artificial sweeteners, fat or oil is eligible. Organic fruits and vegetables are also allowed.

For more information on the expanded benefits, WIC appointments or breastfeeding assistance, contact Marion County’s WIC program Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 352-622-1161.

USDA Non-discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees and institutions participating in and administering USDA programs from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact the USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA program discrimination complaint form (AD-3027) found online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to the USDA by: 1) mail, at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2) fax, at 202-690-7442, or; 3) email, at program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.