The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget from President Trump includes reduced funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), directly impacting the fruit and vegetable component provided to families with low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children. Over the past 25 years, the WIC program has successfully offered full nutritional benefits to all eligible applicants. However, the new budget suggests cutbacks, totaling over $1.3 billion, affecting 5.2 million participants, with sharp reductions in monthly cash value benefits for fruits and vegetables.
High-tech greenhouse growers in the Netherlands, supplying produce to multiple regions, may need to consider the implications of these cutbacks. Reduced consumer demand in the U.S. market could affect sales, as families already struggling with food costs face further challenges. The proposed changes would result in lower nutritional intake during crucial developmental periods for many children, potentially affecting their long-term health and nutrition.
The WIC program, following a rigorous selection process, provides nutritious products such as whole grain bread, baby food, infant formula, and milk. It also offers cash value benefits redeemable exclusively for fruits and vegetables. In recent years, particularly in 2021, these benefits increased, based on recommendations from scientific bodies. These benefits remained popular, leading to more frequent purchases of fruits and vegetables by participants.
Despite these increases, the proposed budget adjustment suggests scaling back cash value benefits by 62 to 75 percent, depending on the beneficiary category. For example, the new monthly allowance for fruits and vegetables would drop to $10 for toddlers and preschoolers, $13 for pregnant and postpartum individuals, and $13 for breastfeeding participants. Past research supports the role of WIC in promoting healthier diets and reducing chronic diseases, highlighting the risk of cutbacks on public health objectives.
Congress may need to intervene by rejecting the budget proposal and approving additional funds to prevent benefit reductions. In conclusion, the proposed changes to WIC financing could result in reduced demand for fruits and vegetables supplied by high-tech greenhouse growers, compelling stakeholders to evaluate the potential impact on profitability and adapt to market shifts in the Netherlands.
Source: CBPP