Starting Monday, users of Minnesota’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program will have healthier options as a result of the first major overhaul in its 35-year existence.

WIC — a federally-funded food voucher and health referral program for low-income women and children age 5 and under — will now include fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other more healthy choices.

Jane Knutson, certifier and coordinator of the WIC program in Mower County, said these changes are “huge.”

“This is something we are really excited about,” Knutson said. “The food package is supporting healthy outcomes. We want people breastfeeding; we want to prevent obesity and chronic diseases.”

Under the new “Fresh Choices” package, children in WIC will now receive a $6 cash voucher per month for fruits and vegetables, which must meet criteria for a healthy diet: No juice blends or added sugar. Women will receive an $8 voucher.

Other changes to WIC include more whole wheat choices; only skim or 1 percent milk for women and children over age 2; and the addition of tofu and soy beverages for medical needs.

“For children, they will now be getting two pounds of whole grains, oatmeal, bread, tortillas or brown rice,” Knutson explained.

Austin grocers participating in the WIC program include Hy-Vee, Jim’s Supervalu and Wal-Mart; Walgreens also participates with formula. Suppliers provide WIC labels on their shelves.

To qualify for WIC, applicants must meet poverty income guidelines and also be pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women; children age 5 and under; or be guardians with children age 5 and under.

“Guidelines aren’t as low as people think,” Knutson said.

WIC also offers shopping guides, basic dietary information, support for breastfeeding, advice and support staff.

For more information about Mower County WIC, call 437-9799 or visit the office at the Health and Human Services Building, in the back of Oak Park Mall.