I read with interest the column in the Oregon Daily Emerald, “Delicious, but malnutritious,” by Grace Pettygrove (ODE, Feb. 26).
The article about the WIC program was insightful and well-researched. However, WIC has since made strides in their food program offerings.
As of Aug. 1, 2009, they have added more choices and more food items. Two of the best upgrades are the fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables addition, and organic items were also added to their revised list of choices. In addition, products like whole-wheat bread, soy, acidophilus, lactose-free milk and even goat milk were on the new accepted list.
The products acceptable now say “any brand” and that includes bread, corn tortillas, brown rice, beans, cheese (mild and medium only), eggs and peanut butter (16 to 18 ounces). As for the cereals, not only can you choose from Post and General Mills, but Kellogg, Quaker and hot cereals like Malt-O-Meal, Cream of Wheat and grits are available. The juices have to be 100 percent juice, which is better than some of the choices out there. New, also, is baby food that includes fruits, vegetables and meats.
Recently, the newspaper in Coos Bay had an article stating the Farmers’ Market will be accepting WIC. That means farm-fresh produce. 
Another important point is, where I shop (a common chain store), the registers recognize WIC-accepted purchases so the cashiers don’t have to spend time matching product brands and amounts with the WIC food lists. So WIC may not be quite in the 21st century, but they are making progress in that direction. WIC is conscious of and working to bring nutrition to as many people as they can.
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