Washington, D.C. – The International Fresh Produce Association launched its largest-ever ad campaign in support of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to coincide with today’s WIC National Day of Action. The WIC program, which provides supplemental benefits to mothers, infants, and children battling food insecurity, is at risk of funding being slashed as part of the arguments on federal spending.
The jingle-style ad, sung from the perspective of animated fruits and vegetables, leverages audio and visuals to bring awareness to the urgent funding crisis facing the WIC program, calling on Members of Congress to fund the WIC program, including critical fresh fruit and vegetable benefits that are in jeopardy.
“Fully funding the WIC Program is an urgent necessity for families nationwide,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Our creative approach will convey this message to break through the noise on Capitol Hill, bringing attention to the mothers and children who rely on the WIC program for nutritious fruits and vegetables. The proposed cuts would have a devastating impact on millions of families, farmers, and retailers, and IFPA will continue to fight for women, infants, and children.”
The WIC Program is already facing a $1 billion shortfall. Without full funding, the WIC program will need to place eligible applicants on a waitlist, turning away families needing supplemental assistance. Meanwhile, the program faces additional concerns as the current House version of the agricultural appropriations bill would cut fruit and vegetable benefits by 70 percent for women and 56 percent for children. These cuts would have significant consequences for nutrition, likely decreasing produce intake among the nation’s most vulnerable populations at a time when nearly half of American children already don’t eat a daily vegetable.
The produce industry would lose an estimated $1.2 billion in revenue each year from the reduction of fruits and vegetables that would typically be available to WIC participants under the current funding structure.
“The health and nutrition of mothers and children nationwide is at stake,” said IFPA Vice President of Nutrition and Health Mollie Van Lieu. “New and innovative approaches are needed to stress the urgency of this moment to Congress, and IFPA is proud to continue leading the charge.”
The 30-second animated ad campaign will run across digital channels through the ongoing funding negotiations.
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence.
