Armed Forces News

Food stores that cater to low-income people and charge the government more than other stores are changing the face of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Now a growing number of stores in the U.S. are selling only to WIC families by accepting WIC government vouchers in lieu of cash — and some are offering free transportation or gifts. WIC provides vouchers for infant formula, juice, eggs, milk, cheese, cereal and dried beans. The program was expanded in March 2004 to 11 countries overseas, where it administers almost 25,000 service members, DoD civilians, contractors and family members. To qualify, a family of four, as an example, must have no more than $42,550 in gross income (Basic Allowance for Housing, in-kind housing benefits and overseas cost-of-living allowances excluded). For details, visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic.