The W.I.C. Saline County Health Department is temporarily increasing the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruit and vegetable purchases.

The health department says 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 W.I.C. 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 to $11.

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

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

Individuals interested in learning more about the benefits of W.I.C. may contact the Saline County W.I.C. Program at (660) 886-9494 or visit in person at 1825 South Atchison Avenue in Marshall.