Young resolution would widen WIC program to include indigenous foods

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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 4:47pm

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Sealaska Native Corporation Director Wa'ahlaal Giidaak Barbara Blake

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Sealaska Native Corporation has come out in support of a resolution sponsored by Alaska Congressman Don Young to ensure low-income women and children have access to culturally relevant, nutritious foods.

H. R. 784 would allow pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 participating in the WIC or Women/Infants/Children supplemental nutrition program to use funds to purchase cultural foods like salmon.

Sealaska Director Wa'ahlaak GiidDaak Barbara Blake said during an interview with News of the North that their shareholders and Native communities deserve the ability to feed themselves and growing children the absolute most nutritious food available.  "That just happens to be our indigenous foods," she said.  "We know that a large portion of our people have good allergies to many of the foods currently available within the WIC program.  This is a great opportunity to give our mothers and children the absolute best nutrition available."

Congressman Young's resolution gives state-level WIC program officers the authority to determine which foods are best suited to meet the nutritional needs of their residents.

 

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