In the past, it’s grieved me when I watch women with young children grocery shopping, trying to stay within the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) supplemental nutrition program guidelines. The program is federally funded and, until the beginning of October, would only pay for the purchase of milk, cheese, eggs, juice, cereals and dried beans or peanut butter. What about fresh fruit and vegetables, part of the government’s focus on improving the nation’s health?

Now, the federal government has awakened — finally — and allows for the payment of fresh and canned produce. These revisions, along with mandatory purchase of one-percent and fat-free milk — no whole milk allowed — fits in perfectly with U.S. dietary guidelines.

I’m so thankful to see this change and hope this flexibility in food choices will encourage young mothers to improve their eating habits.

At this point, I’ll go out on limb and say that the Food Stamp program needs some overhauls as well. How about taking processed foods off the list?

WIC is limited to women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently pregnant, as well as infants and children up to age five.