Increased Fruit and Vegetable Benefits - Staff Talking Points

Since WIC is providing increased fruit and vegetable benefits (cash value benefits or CVBs), the following provides some talking points about encouraging full use of the CVB and how to support the shopping experience.

Encourage Families to Fully Use the Fruit and Vegetable Benefit

Ask if there is a new fruit or vegetable that the family would like to buy. Are there any produce items they have not purchased because of limited funds?

Have children participate in selecting produce, they will be more likely to eat what they pick out!

Suggest ideas for using produce and explore ways of preparing

• Fruits and vegetables cut into kid-sized finger foods are more appealing and fun.
• Try new ways of preparing fruits and veggies:
  • Many fruits and vegetables can be grilled. For grilling tips, see Gear up for the Grill.
  • Roasting vegetables in the oven is easy. For roasting instructions, see Roasted Vegetables recipe.

Share the link to the nutrition education card Eating More: Fruits and Vegetables. Also available in Spanish and Somali.

If a family is stocked up on fresh produce, encourage them to purchase frozen fruits and vegetables which can be stored in the freezer for longer periods of time. Share ideas for using frozen fruits and veggies, such as in smoothies, soups, and casseroles.

Share Fruit and Vegetable recipes.

• On the My MN WIC app, go to the Nutrition tab, then select Recipes and Food Tips.
• Check out recipes on the wichealth.org Health eKitchen.

Make it an Additional Education Contact - Discussing the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables, helping families optimize their WIC benefits, and promoting the use of produce all counts as an educational contact!

Support the Family’s Shopping Experience

Explore how the family has been using the Fruit and Vegetable Benefit. Address any issues they have had with purchasing fruits and vegetables.

Remind participants not to use the Food Finder in the app for fresh produce. Share your tips for selecting WIC allowed fruits and vegetables, such as buying unpackaged produce that you bag yourself.