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WIC food‑package changes and farmers‑market EBT modernization explained to Cascade County Board of Health
Summary
Family health staff summarized national WIC food‑package updates now written into contract, upcoming product changes in October 2026, and a move from paper vouchers to an electronic farmers‑market app for local WIC participants and vendors.
County WIC and family health staff reviewed recent and forthcoming federal changes to Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food packages and described local steps to modernize farmers‑market access for participants.
Family health staff said the national WIC program has formalized the COVID‑era fruit‑and‑vegetable benefit into ongoing contract language and reduced juice and some milk quantities while increasing yogurt and allowing greater options for infants and pregnant people. “One big change, during COVID, WIC and CREES added a fruit and vegetable benefit. And, that is now written into the contract, so that doesn't have to get renewed every year,” the presenter said. Staff said fish was added to child and pregnant/postpartum packages, jarred infant meats were reduced because they were infrequently redeemed, and plant‑based milks and tofu will have new calcium and sugar specifications under upcoming item‑level rules.
Presenters warned that item‑level changes remain in draft and not all take effect immediately; they said a significant adjustment to authorized items is expected October 2026. “In October 2026, we are actually, going to have changes to the food items… they are currently still in draft,” staff said.
On farmers‑market access, staff described a new electronic system that replaces paper vouchers. Farmers will be able to accept WIC market benefits via a mobile app, view daily transactions and receive nightly settlements; vendors without smartphones can enroll via a landline and email. “Participants up to this year have been receiving paper vouchers still… The farmers will, receive so they will download an app on their phone… It’s a much easier process,” a presenter said. Staff said the county’s farmers‑market program receives modest annual funding (around $1,700–$2,000) for outreach and vendor training.
Ending: Staff encouraged partners to share changes with clients and noted that education about the new options is under way locally.
