3-12 IAT Potato Ban

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its final rule excluding fresh, white potatoes from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson plans to use every available tool in order to reverse the ban of potatoes in the program. “I am deeply disappointed in the USDA’s decision to ignore legislation that directed the agency to include fresh potatoes in the WIC Program,” said Simpson. “Congress’ support of potatoes in WIC is crystal clear and I intend to use every means available to me, and any possible legislative vehicle that develops, to reverse this ban and restore the rightful inclusion of white potatoes in the WIC program.” Here’s Simpson spokesperson, Nikki Watts: “When the Obama Administration ignored the latest nutritional science in developing the WIC rule, it was the responsibility of Congress to do everything in its power to allow low-income women and children continued access to healthy and economical nutrition choices. That’s what Congressman Simpson did.  He has requested repeatedly that the Administration use current USDA Dietary Guidelines (DGA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consumption data when devising rules that affect the ability of low-income women to make smart nutritional choices for their young families. Unfortunately, it appears the Administration is not listening.” 

USDA failed to incorporate its own nutritional recommendations in its final WIC rule.  For example, fresh white potatoes would supplement the diets of WIC participants with two of the four USDA Dietary Guidelines “nutrients of concern” – potassium and dietary fiber.