Women breastfeeding multiples are authorized 1.5 times the Food Package VII benefit. If a participant chooses the cash-value benefit (CVB) substitution instead of juice, how much is the CVB benefit and are WIC state agencies allowed to provide a partial substitution for juice?
Participants receiving 1.5 times the Food Package VII benefit may substitute a $4.50 CVB for the full juice amount. The CVB may be redeemed for any eligible fruit and vegetable. A partial CVB substitution for juice is not allowed.
Can state agencies assign the cash-value benefit (CVB) substitution as the default benefit instead of juice?
Yes. As stated in the preamble of the final rule, WIC state agencies have the option to make the $3.00 CVB the default with juice substituted upon request.