Fruit and Veg Checks Module

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How to Use the New WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks In accordance with Federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. March 2009

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Beginning August 1, 2009 women and children on WIC will receive a Fruit and Vegetable Check to use at the grocery store to purchase approved fruit and/or vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned). Each month: Children will receive a $6 check. Pregnant, Partially Breastfeeding, and Postpartum Women will receive a $8 check. Fully Breastfeeding Women will receive a $10 check. Note: These checks are different from the WIC Farmers’ Market Checks

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Use Fruit & Vegetable Checks at the grocery store Use Farmers’ Market Checks at farmers’ markets(June 1 through October 31) What is the Difference? After the cashier writes the correct price, sign the check.

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ALLOWED Any variety fresh fruits and vegetables, except potatoes (Note: sweet potatoes and orange yams are allowed) Bagged vegetables (for example, carrots or salad greens) Fresh Fruits & Vegetables NOT ALLOWED Potatoes (except sweet potatoes and orange yams) Items from the salad bar, party trays, fruit baskets, dried fruit, decorative fruits and vegetables Nuts, including peanuts, fruit/nut mixtures Herbs, spices, or seasonings

Canned Vegetables : 

Canned Vegetables ALLOWED Plain vegetables, plain vegetable mixtures (without potatoes), including green (sweet) peas, green/snap/wax/yellow beans NOT ALLOWED Potatoes, sweet potatoes, orange yams Pickled (sauerkraut) or creamed vegetables (including cream-style corn) Beans, peas and lentils (for example, black- eye peas, pinto and kidney beans) that are allowed on checks for canned beans/peas/lentils Baked beans, pork and beans, refried beans Soup, pickles, ketchup, relishes, olives

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ALLOWED Any plain vegetables, plain vegetable mixtures without potatoes (Note: Sweet potatoes and orange yams are allowed) Any bean or mixture with beans (for example, lima beans) Any package type Frozen Vegetables NOT ALLOWED With pasta, noodles, nuts, rice, cheese, or meat With butter, sauces or glazes; breaded French fries, hash browns, or shaped potatoes Potatoes (except sweet potatoes and orange yams)

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ALLOWED Whole, diced, crushed or stewed tomatoes Tomato sauce, paste, or puree Canned Tomato Products NOT ALLOWED Pizza, lasagna or spaghetti sauce Soups, salsa, ketchup With any oil

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ALLOWED Packed in water, juice or fruit juice concentrate Any plain fruit, plain fruit mixture Any container type Applesauce – no sugar added or unsweetened varieties only Canned Fruit NOT ALLOWED Cranberry sauce, pie filling With any syrup (heavy, light, naturally light, extra light, etc.) With added sugar (lightly sweetened in fruit juice or nectar) With Splenda

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ALLOWED Bags only Frozen Fruit NOT ALLOWED Boxes or tubs Fruit bars, popsicles, fruit smoothies With sugar or other sweeteners

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Check newspaper ads or store flyers for weekly specials and coupons. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Use your farmers’ market checks in the summer to buy locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market. Shop Smart Tips Compare prices – some pre-packaged or individually packaged vegetables and fruits with a fixed price or individually priced are a better value than the same item priced by the pound.

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Buying Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Priced by the Pound These steps will help you get the most food with your fruit and vegetable check if you choose fruits and vegetables priced by the pound: Place the item on the grocery scale. Round the weight up to the nearest pound or half pound. Estimate the cost of the item using the chart. Shading is designed to help you get the maximum amount for commonly issued $6, $8, and $10 fruit and vegetable check amounts.

Fruits and Veggies Shopping List : 

Fruits and Veggies Shopping List Fresh, Frozen, and Canned Use this shopping list to help you keep track of all of your fruit and vegetable purchases. Example for $6 check

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Enjoy the New WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks!