Biden admin plans to reduce milk allowance in WIC program, substitute soy-based products

quote:

---

The Biden administration recently proposed a rule for the United States Department of Agriculture that could reduce the amount of milk available to families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. To supplement the reduction to the milk allowance, the administration proposed including more soy-based products.

---

quote:

---

In November 2022, the Department of Agriculture announced that it plans to “reduce the amount of milk provided in all child, pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding participant food packages” and add “soy-based” or other lactose-free beverages, yogurt, and cheese alternatives.

---

quote:

---

In a bipartisan joint letter to the Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, the representatives explained that the proposed monthly milk allowance reduction was “substantial” and cause for “deep concerns.”

Currently, children 12 to 23 months old enrolled in the WIC program are allowed 16 quarts of milk per month. Under the new proposed rule, those children would be reduced to 12 quarts monthly.

Children ages 2 to 4 would be reduced from 16 quarts to 14 quarts monthly, while pregnant and partially breastfeeding mothers would be reduced from 22 quarts to 16 quarts monthly.

---