WIC offers a variety of healthy foods, including frozen fruits. Frozen fruits are a great way to get the nutrients you need, even when fresh fruits are not available. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. WIC allows you to buy frozen fruits with your benefits. You can use your WIC benefits to buy any type of frozen fruit, including berries, peaches, mangoes, and more. Simply add the frozen fruit to your shopping cart and present your WIC card at checkout. The cashier will swipe your card and deduct the cost of the frozen fruit from your WIC balance.
WIC Program Eligibility for Frozen Fruit
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides food benefits to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under the age of 5. WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including frozen fruit.
Income Eligibility
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet certain income requirements. The income guidelines are based on the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2023, the income guidelines are as follows:
- Pregnant women: 185% of FPL
- Breastfeeding women: 200% of FPL
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women: 185% of FPL
- Infants: 185% of FPL
- Children: 185% of FPL
Residency Requirements
You must also be a resident of the state in which you are applying for WIC. Residency requirements vary from state to state, so you should contact your local WIC agency for more information.
Nutritional Risk
In addition to meeting the income and residency requirements, you must also be at nutritional risk to be eligible for WIC. Nutritional risk is determined by a variety of factors, including your health history, your pregnancy status, and your child’s age and health. Your WIC provider will assess your nutritional risk during your WIC appointment.
Frozen Fruit Availability
Not all WIC agencies offer frozen fruit as a benefit. The availability of frozen fruit depends on the state in which you live and the specific WIC agency you are using. If you are interested in purchasing frozen fruit with your WIC benefits, you should contact your local WIC agency to see if it is available.
Other WIC Benefits
In addition to frozen fruit, WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of other healthy foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
- Infant formula
WIC also provides nutrition education and counseling to help you make healthy choices for yourself and your family.
Nutritional Benefits of Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit offers a convenient and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite fruits year-round. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits:
1. Vitamins and Minerals: Frozen fruit contains a rich supply of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K. It’s also a good source of minerals, including potassium, iron, and calcium.
2. Fiber: Frozen fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote regularity, lower cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Antioxidants: Frozen fruit is packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
4. Hydration: Frozen fruit contains a lot of water, which can help you stay hydrated. It’s a refreshing and healthy way to quench your thirst.
5. Convenience: Frozen fruit is easy to store and use, making it a convenient option for busy families. It’s also a great way to avoid waste, as you can simply use what you need and freeze the rest.
- Frozen fruit is just as nutritious as fresh fruit. In fact, some studies have shown that frozen fruit may actually retain more nutrients than fresh fruit because it’s processed and frozen at peak ripeness.
- Frozen fruit is a great way to save money. It’s typically less expensive than fresh fruit, especially during off-season months.
| Nutrient | Amount in 1 cup of frozen fruit |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 100% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Vitamin A | 50% of the DV |
| Vitamin K | 25% of the DV |
| Potassium | 10% of the DV |
| Iron | 8% of the DV |
| Calcium | 6% of the DV |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
Brands of Frozen Fruit Covered by WIC
The availability of frozen fruit covered by WIC varies by state and the specific WIC program. However, some common brands that are often covered include:
- Birds Eye
- Dole
- Green Giant
- McCain
- Pictsweet
- Seabrook Farms
- True Goodness
It’s important to check with your local WIC office or refer to the WIC website in your state for a comprehensive list of approved frozen fruit brands and specific varieties that are covered.
Availability of Frozen Fruit at WIC-Approved Stores
The availability of frozen fruit at WIC-approved stores varies depending on the store’s location, size, and inventory. However, many WIC-approved stores do offer a selection of frozen fruit options.
- National chains: Major grocery store chains like Walmart, Target, and Kroger typically carry a wide variety of frozen fruit, including berries, peaches, mangoes, and more.
- Regional chains: Smaller regional grocery chains may have a more limited selection of frozen fruit, but they may still offer some options.
- Independent stores: Some independent grocery stores may carry frozen fruit, but it is best to call ahead to confirm availability.
It is important to note that the specific types of frozen fruit available at WIC-approved stores may vary based on factors such as seasonality and regional preferences.
WIC-Approved Frozen Fruit Options
| Fruit Type | Brands | Package Size |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Birds Eye, Del Monte, Great Value | 10-16 oz |
| Blueberries | Market Pantry, Simply Nature, Member’s Mark | 12-18 oz |
| Mango | Dole, Goya, Sambazon | 10-16 oz |
| Peaches | Kroger, Walmart, Dole | 10-16 oz |
| Mixed Berries | Birds Eye, Cascadian Farm, Great Value | 12-18 oz |
These are just a few examples of the frozen fruit options that may be available at WIC-approved stores. Always check with your local store for the most up-to-date information on availability.
Alright folks, that’s all for today on the frozen fruit and WIC saga. I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Remember, knowledge is power, and knowing what you can and can’t buy with WIC can help you make the most of this program. Keep your eyes peeled for our next installment where we’ll dive into another WIC-related topic. In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates and insights. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!