CUMBERLAND — It’s an idea that makes so much sense, one might wonder why it wasn’t implemented in the first place.

Beginning this fall, Maryland families who receive vouchers from the federal Women, Infants and Children program will be able to add fruits and vegetables to their regular shopping selections. More than 2,200 Allegany County residents and nearly 1,000 people in Garrett County receive WIC services.

WIC subsidizes eligible low-income residents’ food programs with foods rich in nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, iron and protein.

“WIC was started as a means of keeping children from starving,” said Jennifer Wilson, director of nutrition services at the Allegany County Health Department. “What we knew about nutrition might have been a little bit different” when WIC was initiated in 1974.

Wilson said WIC was — and is — a means to provide staples such as milk, eggs and cereal. Another change is that beyond age 3, skim milk is a viable, healthy option for kids.

“One of the things I think has changed over time (is) we know fruits and vegetables are good for us (but) can be more expensive to purchase depending on the season,” Wright said.

Now, the message of a healthy diet — which includes a daily regimen of fruits and vegetables — will be available on WIC vouchers.

“I’m just glad to see the message we’ve been giving match the food packages we’re able to offer,” Wilson said.

Wilson said it’s the first food package change for WIC in its 35-year history.

The addition of produce to the program is not a new idea. Wilson said the concept has been around “for years.” Its implementation, however, was restricted due to a lack of government funding.

Another program that has similar nutritional goals is the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, a partnership with local farmers markets. WIC clients and some senior residents, served through the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission, will receive coupons that can be redeemed at certain area farmers markets.

The goal is twofold, Wilson said. The program wants to continue providing healthy food options for its clients and support local farmers at the same time. Participants will receive a recyclable shopping bag with ideas of varying their fruit and vegetable medley at the dinner table.

Wilson downplayed the possibility of people carrying the bag to farmers markets and grocery stores being stereotyped as low-income. “WIC” is very small on the bag, she said, “for that particular reason.”

“We don’t want our families to feel any different while they’re out shopping,” Wilson said. “Sometimes families are treated differently. I think that’s unfortunate. There are many of us a paycheck away from being in the same place.”

For more information on either program, call the Allegany County Health Department at (301) 759-5020.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.