Thanks to the hard work of advocates around the country, including the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and the Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC), the FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations provided a increase to fruit & vegetable vouchers for women participating in WIC. Participants will now receive ten dollars a month (as opposed to the previous eight dollars provided) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. The Institute of Medicine made this recommendation, which will be implemented by USDA within 60 days. According to FRAC, “The value of these additional benefits will be approximately $ 55,000,000. Over the next five years these additional benefits will be worth a quarter of a billion dollars in additional fruits and vegetables for women in the WIC program.” Visit FRAC’s website for more information and resources.