WIC Temporarily Extends Increased Funding for Fruit and Vegetables in El Paso

EL PASO, TX – The City of El Paso Department of Public Health’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program has extended the temporary increase in the dollar amount for fruits and vegetables through September 30, 2022.

The Cash Value Benefit (CVB) amount for fruits and vegetables will appear on the shopping list of eligible WIC participants beginning July 1, 2022, through September 30 of this year.

According to the City Council, participants who already have April, May or June benefits will need to return to the WIC office to ensure that their benefits will remain unchanged to reflect the increase.

The new CVB amounts are $24 per month for child participants; $43 per month for pregnant, postpartum and some breastfeeding women. Also, $47 per month was authorized for women who are fully or partially breastfeeding and $70.50 per month for fully or multiply breastfeeding participants.

This food allowance can be used to purchase fresh, frozen, canned, glass jar or plastic container fruits and vegetables. Beneficiaries can choose organic, standard, individual or mixed items that meet nutritional requirements and specifications.

It is estimated that the expansion of the program will benefit a total of 25,455 people, of which 12,405 are infants, 3,027 are nursing mothers and 2,327 are pregnant women.

WIC benefits begin during pregnancy and continue until the child is five years old. The program provides supplemental foods designed to meet the special nutritional needs of low-income participants, breastfeeding support and nutritional counseling by trained professionals.

To qualify as a participant, income eligibility guidelines and El Paso/Hudspeth County residency must be met. Residents can fill out a quick application by visiting texaswic.org/apply.com or by calling the WIC Customer Service Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (915) 212-4942, or by logging on to EPHealth.com.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff