Texas Health and Human Services has expanded the number of food items eligible for purchase through the WIC program, which helps women, babies and children get access to nutritious foods.
Starting Monday, people on the WIC program will see more options for items including milk, bread, rice, pasta and eggs, Texas Health and Human Services said in a statement. The program is also permanently adding canned fruits and vegetables.
After many Texans emptied grocery store shelves in late March, elected officials told Texans to be mindful of people who are receiving their food benefits at the beginning of April.
These updates were also made available in the MyTexasWIC app to ensure people can find eligible nutritious foods in their local grocery stores, health officials said.
“Grocers assure us they can meet this increased demand and have supply chains ready to respond,” said Dee Budgewater, the deputy executive commissioner for Health Developmental and Independence Services.
Budgewater said the group is working "around the clock" to make sure families have access to healthy food.
Shoppers can identify items that are “WIC Approved” by spotting a pink sticker along food price tags.
