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U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY-21) issued the following statement on Hero/Beech-Nut of Canajoharie receiving the first-ever contract to exclusively provide jarred baby food for the federal Women, Infants and Children program in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island:

"I am thrilled that Beech-Nut has been awarded the contract to provide jarred infant food for the federal Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to states in the New England region," said Rep. Tonko. "This is a big win for Beech-Nut, and will strengthen the company as it constructs a brand new headquarters and manufacturing facility at the Florida Business Park in Montgomery County. This contract is evidence of the company’s commitment to upstate New York and to growing its business, especially when you consider that this deal will lead to the production of an estimated additional 10-million jars of baby food per year. This is also good news for thousands of children who will get the benefit of nutritious foods from Beech-Nut. I am proud to have been among the many local officials who worked to keep Beech-Nut in this region, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in the future."

WIC is a federal program that assists low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding women, mothers and children up to age five. WIC recipients can receive supplemental foods, heatlh care referrals, nutrition education and couseling as well. New York mothers and children participating in the WIC program received over $400 million worth of benefits in 2008. Beech-Nut’s contract with WIC takes effect on October 1st, 2009.

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