Episode 385: Alison Hard, MS, RD
Mar 11, 2026
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Summary:
In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back Ali Hard, Policy Director at the National WIC Association, for an important conversation about the impact of the WIC program and the powerful role moms play in shaping healthier families and communities.
Fresh off the National WIC Association Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., Lori and Ali reflect on their fireside chat discussing how moms have the power to change the way America eats from their own kitchens to national policy conversations.
Ali and Lori emphasize the critical role grassroots advocacy plays in protecting nutrition programs and how collective voices—especially moms—can drive meaningful change that supports healthier futures for children across the country.
Takeaways:
- WIC currently serves approximately 40% of babies born in the United States.
- The program provides families with a “food prescription” for nutritious groceries, including fruits and vegetables.
- WIC combines food access with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and feeding guidance.
- The program has proven health benefits, including reduced infant mortality and improved maternal health outcomes.
- Advocates are working to ensure full funding for WIC benefits and prevent cuts to fruit and vegetable access.
- Flexible service delivery—including virtual appointments—has helped reduce barriers for busy families.
- Many families eligible for WIC do not realize they qualify, leaving opportunities for greater participation.
- Grassroots advocacy from moms and families can play a major role in shaping nutrition policy.
- Programs like WIC help build healthier communities by supporting families during the earliest years of childhood development.
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome Back to the Produce Moms Podcast
02:00 – Highlights from the National WIC Association Policy Conference
04:10 – What WIC Is and Who It Serves
06:00 – The WIC “Food Prescription” and Nutrition Education
08:30 – Supporting Families Through Toddler Nutrition Challenges
10:30 – Why WIC Aligns with the Produce Moms Mission
12:15 – Policy Priorities and WIC Funding Advocacy
15:00 – Protecting Fruit and Vegetable Benefits
17:10 – The Importance of Flexible WIC Services
19:00 – The Power of Moms in Nutrition Advocacy
22:00 – How to Check WIC Eligibility
23:30 – Closing Thoughts
Resources:
LinkedIn: Ali Hard, MS, RD | LinkedIn
SignupWIC: https://signupwic.com
National WIC Association: https://www.nwica.org
