The WIC program is a government assistance program that provides nutrition support to low-income pregnant women, postpartum women, and children under the age of 5. WIC provides vouchers that can be used to purchase certain types of food, including fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, and eggs. However, WIC does not provide vouchers that can be used to purchase water. This is because water is not considered to be a food item. There are a number of other programs that provide assistance with water bills, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Water Assistance Program (WAP).
WIC Eligible Water Types
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as to infants and children under the age of 5. WIC benefits include a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and infant formula. Water is not typically included in WIC benefits, but there are some exceptions.
WIC-eligible water types include:
- Bottled water: WIC will cover the cost of bottled water if it is medically necessary. This includes water for infants who are not yet able to drink tap water, or for people with certain medical conditions that require them to drink bottled water.
- Fluoridated tap water: WIC will cover the cost of a water filter that removes fluoride from tap water. This is because fluoride can be harmful to infants and children under the age of 6.
WIC does not cover the cost of the following types of water:
- Tap water: Tap water is not typically covered by WIC because it is not considered a food.
- Sparkling water: Sparkling water is not covered by WIC because it contains added sugar and calories.
- Flavored water: Flavored water is not covered by WIC because it contains added sugar and calories.
| Type of Water | WIC Coverage |
|---|---|
| Bottled water | Medically necessary |
| Fluoridated tap water | Water filter to remove fluoride |
| Tap water | Not covered |
| Sparkling water | Not covered |
| Flavored water | Not covered |
If you are a WIC participant and you have questions about whether or not a particular type of water is covered by WIC, please contact your local WIC clinic.
Buying Water With WIC Vouchers
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vouchers for eligible participants to purchase healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk. However, WIC does not provide vouchers specifically for water.
Using WIC Vouchers for Water
While WIC does not offer vouchers for water, participants can use their vouchers to purchase other beverages, such as:
- Fruit juice (100% juice)
- Milk (whole, low-fat, or nonfat)
- Soy milk (fortified with calcium and vitamin D)
Table of WIC Voucher Uses
The following table summarizes how WIC vouchers can be used for beverages:
| Beverage | WIC Voucher Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Water | No |
| 100% Fruit Juice | Yes |
| Milk (whole, low-fat, nonfat) | Yes |
| Soy Milk (fortified) | Yes |
It is important to note that WIC vouchers cannot be used to purchase sugary drinks, such as soda, juice drinks, or sports drinks.
WIC Water Purchasing Restrictions
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC benefits include vouchers for the purchase of specific nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, and whole grains.
Water is not a WIC-approved food item, and therefore cannot be purchased with WIC benefits. This is because water is not a food that provides significant nutritional value.
- WIC benefits are intended to provide nutritious foods that support the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5.
- Water is not a food that provides significant nutritional value, and therefore does not meet the WIC criteria for approved food items.
If you are a WIC participant and you need access to clean drinking water, please contact your local WIC agency. They may be able to provide you with information about local resources that can help you obtain clean drinking water.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables; 100% fruit or vegetable juice |
| Milk | Milk, yogurt, cheese |
| Eggs | Eggs |
| Whole grains | Whole-wheat bread, pasta, rice, cereal |
Can You Buy Water With WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. WIC provides a variety of foods, including milk, juice, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, WIC does not provide water.
Alternative Sources of Water For WIC Recipients
- Tap water is the most affordable and readily available source of water. It is important to make sure that your tap water is safe to drink by testing it or contacting your local water utility.
- Bottled water is a convenient option, but it can be expensive. If you choose to purchase bottled water, look for brands that are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
- Well water can be a good source of water, but it is important to test your well water regularly to make sure that it is safe to drink.
| Source of Water | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tap water | Affordable, readily available | May not be safe to drink |
| Bottled water | Convenient | Expensive |
| Well water | Can be a good source of water | Needs to be tested regularly |
Well, there you have it, folks! Now you know the ins and outs of using WIC to get your hands on some refreshing water. I hope this article has helped quench your thirst for knowledge. If you have any more WIC-related questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. In the meantime, thanks for reading, and be sure to stop by again soon for more helpful tidbits and life hacks!