AP: New WIC rules include more money for fruits and veggies. They also expand food choices

Melissa White • Apr 11, 2024

The federal Women, Infants and Children program that helps pay for groceries for millions of low-income mothers, babies and young kids has announced rule changes that will emphasize and increase monthly cash vouchers for more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as provide more choices of foods from different cultures.

FILE - A woman browses produce for sale at a grocery store, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in New York. In final rule changes announced Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the federal program that helps millions of low-income mothers, babies and young kids will soon emphasize more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as provide a wider choice of foods from different cultures. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie, File)

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Seen on WWLP: Valley Opportunity Council to reopen Women, Infants & Children office in Ludlow

11 Apr, 2024
LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) – The Valley Opportunity Council will reopen its Women, Infants & Children’s (WIC) office in Ludlow on Wednesday. The Ludlow office, located at 14 Chestnut Place, closed during the pandemic, and a grand re-opening ceremony is set for 10:00 a.m., according to a news release from the Valley Opportunity Council. The grand reopening ceremony will feature snacks, activities, and a raffle, and will provide information to the community about available resources offered through the WIC program. WIC is a nutrition program that serves qualified families in Massachusetts. They provide nutrition education, referrals to healthcare, and social service agencies, and a WIC card that can be redeemed at certain grocery stores and pharmacies. There are WIC offices in Chicopee, Holyoke, and Westfield. The Valley Opportunity Council also offers assistance with housing, energy, and early education. They are the largest and most diverse Community Action Agency in western Massachusetts with an annual budget of $45 million. 

Outlook 2024: Valley Opportunity Council improving lives, one resident at a time

By Melissa White • 02 Apr, 2024
Featured in The Republican's 2024 Outlook issue, February 18,

Valley Opportunity Council opens new location in West Springfield

02 Apr, 2024
by: Melissa Torres Posted: Feb 14, 2024 / 05:15 PM EST Updated: Feb 14, 2024 / 06:39 PM EST WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Valley Opportunity Council hosted an open house Wednesday for their new location in West Springfield. There are now five locations in Hampden County for people to access the wide range of resources and services provided at the Valley Opportunity Council. West side residents can now access programs that provide fuel assistance, supplemental nutrition benefits, as well as adult education programs for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. The VOC is dedicated to providing a helping hand to low- and moderate-income neighbors, families and friends to achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life. Melissa White, Director of Programs at VOC, told 22News, “We’re really excited to have this location in West Springfield to be able to offer articles for the community. If you’re curious about housing, childcare, fuel assistance, tax preparation… we will connect you to those services and also we’re going to try to do our best to connect you to services in the community.” They are also offering a free tax preparation service at their location in West Springfield. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides volunteer tax professionals certified in preparing and filing federal and state income tax returns. VOC also offers assistance with energy, food, early education, youth programs, housing and more. More about their programs are available on their website . 
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