The increase to WIC's Cash Value Benefit has been changing participants' lives all summer long by making it easier for kids and families to eat and have access to healthy vegetables and fruits. However, we need Appropriators to pass the Agriculture bills in the Senate and the House before September 30, so the increased funding for the Cash Value Benefit is not interrupted.
We're launching a new campaign with the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics: #ExtendTheWICBump. Join us all September long by posting a photo or video with your favorite veggies and fruits (fresh, canned, or frozen). We want you to explain how the increase to WIC's veggies and fruits benefit has impacted your family or as a provider/supporter how you've seen it affect the families in your community. Directions on how to get involved are below.
Additionally, we want to emphasize to Appropriators how urgent and vital this continued increase is for WIC families. Tag Appropriation leaders in both the House & Senate (see below) and tell them to #ExtendTheWICBump.
Senate Appropriators:
Senate Agriculture Appropriations:
House Appropriators:
House Appropriations Subcommittee:
Step 1. Take A Photo or Video
Grab your phone and take a selfie! If you'd like the chance to explain your response further, we invite you to record a short video (less than 60 seconds) of yourself talking about how the increase has benefited you.
Step 2. Share Your Story
Now it's time to share your message on social media! Talk to people about how the increase in WIC's veggies and fruits benefit has impacted your family. Remember — attach your photo or video and use #ExtendTheWICBump when you post! Please also tag @NatWICAssoc (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & TikTok), @eatrightPRO (Twitter), and @EatRightNutrition (Facebook).
If you're not quite sure what to say, here are some messaging examples. Remember to tag Appropriators (see info above)!
Join me along with @NatWICAssoc and @eatrightPRO and share how WIC's veggies and fruits increase has benefitted your family.#ExtendTheWICBump [Attach your selfie]
DEADLINE SOON: #WIC's increased vegetables and fruits benefit is scheduled to end soon. Tell Congress to act on appropriations before September 30 to ensure the enhanced benefit is not disrupted! #ExtendTheWICBump[Attach your selfie]
The increase in veggies and fruits allows my family to [fill in the blank]. #ActBeforeSept30 [Attach your selfie]
My kids have been enjoying increased [fill in the blank], their favorite [pick either veggie or fruit]. Congress needs to extend the increase to help families like ours! #ExtendTheWICBump [Attach your selfie]
The increased WIC's fruit and vegetable benefit enhances the purchasing power of WIC families, increases the availability of nutritious foods for young children, and provides economic relief for the growers and producers who partner with WIC consumers to strengthen American agriculture. As the September 30 deadline quickly approaches, Appropriators must ensure that the increased Cash Value Benefit's nutrition assistance continues uninterrupted for WIC participants. #ExtendTheWICBump
