May 10, 2021

Missouri WIC Temporary Benefit Increase

MACON, MO – The Macon County Health Department WIC is temporarily increasing
the Cash Value Benefit for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases (CVB).

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) gave USDA authority to temporarily increase
the CVB to $35 per month for eligible women and children during the federally declared
COVID-19 public health emergency. Missouri WIC has elected to use this authority from
June through September 2021, to provide additional healthy fruits and vegetables for up
to 60,000 women and children per month. Standard CVB values range from $9 – $11.

WIC families have the opportunity to shop for nutritious foods at over 600 authorized
WIC retailers throughout Missouri and can receive services at any of the 118 local
agencies. WIC serves financially eligible women, infants, and children under the age of
five. Fathers, stepparents, foster parents, grandparents, and guardians are also
encouraged to apply for WIC benefits for any children in the household under the age of
five.

Missouri WIC provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support,
nutritious foods, and referrals to health services. It is also one of the most successful,
cost-effective, and important nutrition intervention programs in the country!

Individuals interested in learning about the benefits of WIC may contact the Macon
County Health Department at 660-395-4711 or can use the online interest form at wic.mo.gov.