Release No. 0232.08
Contact: Regan Hopper (703) 305-2281
Printable version
USDA Speeds Help for WIC Nutrition Delivery
$9 Million Technology Grants Improve Access
WASHINGTON, September 18, 2008 - USDA Secretary Ed Shafer today announced $9
million for state agency technology improvements to the Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children ("WIC"). The grants subsidize
the development, implementation, and transfer of newer, more capable computer
systems and electronic benefit transfer (EBT).
"USDA is committed to delivery and accuracy of support for qualified women
and their children to have the benefit of nutrition," said Shafer. "Offering EBT
cards gives families needed access to benefits without the delay and stigma of
paper coupons."
Investment in technology is critical to USDA's ability to modernize the
delivery of benefits. To meet the goals of system improvement, for fiscal year
(FY) 2008, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has awarded a total of
approximately $5 million to support the development of three model management
information systems that can be implemented in a cost effective manner.
Newer WIC systems move state agencies from paper to the electronic food
benefits using EBT. FNS provides support for the development and evaluation of
EBT pilots to identify technology solutions that maintain integrity in nutrition
benefit delivery while fostering positive outcomes for WIC participants, State
agencies, and retailers. For FY 2008, FNS has awarded approximately $4 million
to WIC State agencies for EBT-related activities. As additional WIC State
agencies embark on EBT projects, FNS will evaluate EBT costs and focus on ways
to make nationwide WIC EBT implementation efficient and affordable.
USDA's 15 nutrition assistance programs reach one in five Americans each year
and serve as our Nation's first line of defense against hunger. They include the
Food Stamp Program, Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, school meals
programs and WIC.
WIC serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children
up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to
supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and counseling and health
service referrals.
For more information on technology efforts in the WIC Program, visit
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/EBT-MIS.HTM.
Last modified:
12/05/2008
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