FARE-Championed Amendment Adopted by House Appropriations Committee Moves Peanut-Containing Foods a Step Closer to Inclusion in WIC Infant Food Packages
FARE thanks Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA-6) for his introduction and support of the amendment by the House Appropriations Committee
McLEAN, Va. (July 12, 2024) FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the leading nonprofit organization engaged in food allergy education and advocacy—and the largest provider of charitable support for food allergy research in the U.S.—announced the adoption of an amendment by the House Appropriations Committee yesterday that moves peanut-containing foods a step closer to being added to infant food packages in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC Program).
As WIC serves 53% of all infants born in the U.S., and NIH study findings show that feeding children peanut products regularly during infancy beginning at 4-6 months of age, through 5 years of age, the rate of peanut allergy among infants declined by over 80%, It is a matter of urgency that peanut-containing foods be added to WIC infant food packages.
FARE CEO, Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, released a statement saying, “Research clearly demonstrates that the introduction of peanut protein early and often to infants starting at 4-6 months of age has been shown to help prevent the development of a potentially life-threatening peanut allergy. Including peanut protein in WIC infant food packages is an important resource to deliver to America’s most economically vulnerable families, helping to reduce the risk of infants developing this chronic disease and prevent it long-term. FARE worked diligently with Congressional Food Allergy Research Caucus Vice-Chair Representative Ben Cline (R-VA-6) to introduce this important amendment and urges the House to pass this bill.”
“As a proud advocate for public health and child nutrition, and a member of the Congressional Food Allergy Research Caucus, including peanut-containing foods in WIC packages for early introduction is a crucial step towards preventing food allergies,” Rep. Ben Cline said. “This evidence-based change is not just important; it's essential for saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. I am honored to champion this critical amendment.”
While FARE is pleased with this recent milestone, it remains concerned that senseless delays have already limited a vulnerable population’s access to the protection that the inclusion of peanut-containing foods in the WIC infant food packages early in life can provide, so there is a long way to go.
For more information, please see a statement that Dr. Poblete made on the topic in April or visit FARE at www.foodallergy.org.
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About FARE
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the nation’s leading non-profit engaged in food allergy advocacy and the largest food allergy charity supporting research. FARE’s innovative education, advocacy and research initiatives transform the future of food allergy through new and improved treatments and prevention strategies, effective policies and legislation, and novel approaches to managing the disease. To learn more, visit: foodallergy.org.