THE WIC POTATO BATTLE CONTINUES….

The agriculture spending bill the House Appropriations Committee approved last week requires WIC to offer white potatoes.  The measure’s proponents argue that the federal government’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for American’s supports their position. But four scientists who helped produce the report on which those guidelines are based disagree with the House action. They argue that:

·    Compared to other more nutrient-dense vegetables white potatoes are of limited benefit, especially in a nutritionally vulnerable population.

·    Pregnant women, new mothers and their children derive the greatest health benefit from eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but recent data reveal white potatoes already contribute nearly 45% of vegetable intake (including 15% as French fries) in the diet of the average woman of childbearing age.

·    White potatoes are associated with weight gain, obesity, and diabetes, especially among people with low incomes. 

The Agriculture bill the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved also requires WIC to offer white potatoes.  But, unlike the House, under the Senate’s approach the next science-based review of WIC foods (expected in 2015) would determine whether WIC would continue to offer white potatoes.

 

Source: Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 5/30/14, WIC Potatoes