Toolkit for Partnering with Neighborhood Stores on WIC Food Packages

Posted by on July 6, 2009

Public Health Law & Policy (PHLP) and the California WIC Association announce a new toolkit for advocates working to increase healthy food access in low-income neighborhoods:

Changes in the WIC Food Packages: A Toolkit for Partnering with Neighborhood Stores

The selection of foods available through the WIC program recently changed for the first time in 35 years – a change that holds potential to transform the retail food landscape in low-income communities. All WIC vendors will be required by the new federal rules to stock their shelves with an array of products including fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and soy foods. Anyone shopping at a WIC-authorized store will have access to these healthy foods.

For advocates working with corner store owners, the WIC changes present an important opportunity. This new toolkit provides a range of tools and strategies for advocates to identify and work with prospective WIC vendors, and to help these retailers upgrade their offerings in accordance with the new, healthier WIC food packages.

You can download the new toolkit at http://www.healthyplanning.org/toolkit_WIC.html.

PHLP partners with community leaders across the country to help create healthier, more livable communities through a variety of policy tools. Visit http://www.healthyplanning.org or contact us to learn more.