Thompson, Soto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster WIC Families’ Access to Nutritious Juice

June 11, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced two bills: the Juice for Healthy Families Act and the Juice Access Improvement Act . These bills would increase families’ access to juice via the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). “Families participating in WIC deserve access to nutritious foods and beverages that best meet their needs. The Juice for Healthy Families Act and the Juice Access Improvement Act will restore access to the key nutrients juices provide and preserve flexibility for families working hard to put healthy options on the table,” saidRep. Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “I am proud to work with Chairman Thompson on these two important bills to ensure that families in Florida and across the nation have access to delicious and nutritious juice. As juice consumption for families who receive WIC benefits is down due to recent policy changes, the Juice for Healthy Families Act and the Juice Access Improvement Act will allow families the opportunity to increase their consumption,” Rep. Soto said. “The Juice Products Association (JPA) supports an increase in the allocation of juice in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food package. Data shows most Americans are not meeting their daily recommendations for fruit or vegetable intake. As a healthful source of hydration, juice is one cost effective way to help families meet these recommendations,” said Jeannie Milewski, JPA President . “One hundred percent fruit juice supplies essential vitamins and minerals as well as health-promoting plant compounds, such as polyphenols, with no added sugars. Many of these nutrients, like potassium and vitamin C, are nutrients of public health concern in certain populations. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognizes juice as beneficial in helping people attain recommended nutrient intake goals. JPA supports improved access of juice for all families, including those who participate in the WIC program.” Juice for Healthy Families Act In April 2024, USDA finalized a rule substantially reducing the maximum monthly allowance of juice for WIC families. This legislation would increase the maximum monthly juice allowance under WIC to 128 ounces, more aligned with previous juice allowances. This would increase WIC families’ access to juice and provide greater flexibility of nutritious options for children and families. Juice Access Improvement Act Effective January 2026, state agencies have the option to designate the $3 cash-value benefit as the default benefit and provide juice only upon request. In multiple states, many families aren’t aware they need to ask to opt-in for juice when they register. Under this legislation, participants would receive juice automatically unless they opt out and choose the $3 cash-value benefit instead. This bill would retain consumer choice while negating the potential significant effects this policy could have on the health of children and families participating in WIC. Read the bills here and here . ###