The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program offers supplemental nutrition assistance to low-income families with pregnant or breastfeeding women and children up to age 5. Fresh fruits and vegetables are included in the WIC food package, and strawberries are considered a WIC-approved food. WIC participants can use their WIC benefits to purchase fresh strawberries, as well as other fruits and vegetables, at WIC-authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
WIC Food and Nutrition Program
The WIC Food and Nutrition Program, also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a government-funded program that provides supplemental food, nutrition education, and other services to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children under the age of 5. The program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
- Eligible participants include:
- Pregnant women
- Postpartum women up to six months after delivery
- Breastfeeding women up to one year after delivery
- Children under the age of 5
- Program benefits include:
- Supplemental food vouchers to purchase healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and meat
- Nutrition education and counseling
- referrals to other health and social services
| Food Category | WIC-Approved Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits without added sugar |
| Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried vegetables without added salt or fat |
| Whole Grains | Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa |
| Milk | Milk, yogurt, cheese |
| Meat | Lean meat, poultry, fish, beans |
Eligible WIC Foods
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC-approved foods include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Eggs
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit Vegetable Apples Carrots Bananas Celery Berries (including strawberries) Corn Citrus fruits Green beans Grapes Lettuce Peaches Potatoes Pears Spinach Plums Tomatoes WIC participants can receive up to $11 per month for fruits and vegetables. This amount may vary depending on the participant’s age and income.
WIC Approved Fruits
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vouchers for nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. WIC-approved fruits include:
- Fresh or frozen fruits without added sugars or syrups
- Canned fruits in natural juice or light syrup
- Dried fruits
- 100% fruit juice
Strawberries, being a type of fresh fruit, are indeed WIC approved. Here’s a table summarizing the WIC fruit guidelines:
Fruit Type WIC Allowance Fresh or frozen fruits Up to 5 servings per week Canned fruits Up to 3 servings per week Dried fruits Up to 2 servings per week 100% fruit juice Up to 4 ounces per day for children over 1 year old State-Specific WIC Allowances
The availability and quantity of strawberries covered by WIC vary depending on the state. Here’s a table summarizing the state-specific allowances:
State Strawberries Allowance Alabama Not covered Alaska Up to 32 ounces fresh strawberries per month Arizona Not covered Arkansas Up to 24 ounces fresh strawberries per month California Up to 16 ounces fresh strawberries per month Colorado Up to 1 pound fresh strawberries per month Please note that these allowances are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific WIC program in each state. It’s always best to contact your local WIC office for the most up-to-date information.
Well, there you have it, folks! If you’re wondering whether WIC has got your strawberry cravings covered, the answer is a fruity “yes!” From fresh to frozen, organic to classic, strawberries bloom with nutritional value and WIC approval. So go ahead, indulge in those juicy red gems without a care in the world. Thanks for hanging out with us. If you have any more burning WIC questions, be sure to drop by again. We’ll be here, ready to dish out the answers with a healthy dose of humor. Stay sweet, stay fruity, and we’ll catch you on the flip side!