The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is pleased to announce the rollout of updated food packages, offering greater flexibility and improved nutritional value for participating families.
“The Department of Health welcomes these enhancements, which align directly with our mission to reduce health risks and improve outcomes for women and children,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “Research consistently shows that WIC is effective in supporting healthier families, and these updates further strengthen the program by expanding access to wholesome, nutritious foods.”
Key enhancements to the WIC food packages include a permanent increase in the cash value benefit (CVB), ensuring participants continue receiving higher monthly support, approximately $25 to $49, for fruits and vegetables, depending on the category.
Additional updates include expanded food options such as whole grain pasta, cornmeal, canned fish, such as tuna, and yogurt. These changes reflect the latest science-based nutritional guidelines.
“These changes give our participants more flexibility and better options to serve healthy meals at home,” said Lorna Concepcion, Director of the WIC Program. “The increase in the cash value benefit for fruits and vegetables, along with expanded whole grain choices, supports families in making healthier everyday decisions.”
The updates represent the final phase of the food package modernization in the U.S. Virgin Islands and are part of a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure WIC families have access to nutritious foods that support positive health outcomes for both mothers and children.
WIC participants in the U.S. Virgin Islands can begin accessing the new food benefits that became available, Friday, April 17, 2026.
WIC’s nutrition education, breastfeeding support programs along with access to healthy foods shows our continued commitment to supporting the health and well-being of women, infants, and young children throughout the VI.
For more information or to apply for WIC benefits, visit https://doh.vi.gov or contact your local WIC clinic at 340-718-9157 or 340-776-1770.
About the US Virgin Islands WIC Program
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is a federally funded initiative that provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk and meet income guidelines. The program aims to improve health outcomes and promote healthy eating habits among participants.
