Protect dairy and access to nutrients in WIC Nutrition Program

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been proven to enhance the quality of program participants’ diets and health, in large part by supporting access to and consumption of healthful foods that provide critical nutrients. Dairy has always been a cornerstone of the WIC program because milk and dairy foods provide 13 essential nutrients, including three of the four nutrients of public health concern.

In Nov. 2022, USDA published a proposed rule intended to align the foods provided through WIC more closely with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and a National Academics of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) report. The proposed rule emphasized balancing food options, promoting nutrition security and equity, and program administration considerations.

Even though nearly 90% of Americans do not meet DGA dairy intake recommendations, and even though dairy’s nutrients are vital for the health and development of WIC participants during the life stages covered by the program, the rule proposed a reduction in the amount of foods in the “milk” category, which includes fluid milk, cheese, and yogurt. The reduction was based on recommendations in the 2017 NASEM report, which required all changes be budget-neutral, with cuts to dairy allowing for increases in other foods.

However, the USDA rule is not budget-neutral, nor is it required to be. Not only are the cuts therefore not required, they would also reduce WIC participants’ access to vital nutrients.

USDA is currently accepting public comments on the proposed rule. To make your voice heard, please submit comments to USDA soon, with the Feb. 21 deadline quickly approaching.

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