Using the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), eligible individuals can receive a variety of nutritious foods, including canned vegetables. These canned vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they are a convenient and affordable way to get these essential nutrients. WIC participants can use their benefits to purchase canned vegetables from authorized WIC retailers. Canned vegetables that are eligible for WIC purchase include canned peas, carrots, corn, green beans, and tomatoes.
WIC Eligibility Requirements
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum and have a child under age 5.
- Meet income guidelines. The income guidelines vary by state, but in general, you must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Be a resident of the United States.
- Have a nutritional need. This means that you are at nutritional risk, as determined by a health professional.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic. You will need to provide proof of your income, identity, and residency. You will also need to have a health assessment to determine your nutritional need.
Once you are approved for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase eligible foods at authorized grocery stores. Eligible foods include:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Canned fish
- Canned beans
- Canned vegetables
- Fruit juice
- Cereal
- Whole wheat bread
The amount of food you receive each month will vary depending on your age, pregnancy status, and breastfeeding status.
WIC is a valuable program that can help low-income families get the nutrition they need. If you think you may be eligible, please contact your local WIC clinic to apply.
Here are some helpful tips for using your WIC benefits:
- Plan your meals ahead of time so that you can make the most of your benefits.
- Compare prices at different grocery stores to get the best deals.
- Use your WIC card to purchase only eligible foods.
- Keep track of your WIC purchases so that you can stay within your budget.
If you have any questions about the WIC program, please contact your local WIC clinic.
| State | 185% of the Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $47,638 |
| Alaska | $58,454 |
| Arizona | $47,638 |
| Arkansas | $47,638 |
| California | $58,454 |
Approved WIC Foods: Fruit and Vegetables
WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides food assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. WIC-approved foods include fruits and vegetables, which are essential for a healthy diet.
Fruits and Vegetables Covered by WIC
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Canned fruits and vegetables (without added sugar or salt)
- Dried fruits (unsweetened)
- 100% fruit juice (without added sugar)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fresh Fruits | Apples, bananas, oranges, berries, grapes |
| Fresh Vegetables | Broccoli, carrots, leafy greens, tomatoes, onions |
| Frozen Fruits | Blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, peas |
| Frozen Vegetables | Corn, green beans, broccoli, carrots |
| Canned Fruits (without added sugar or salt) | Peaches, pineapples, pears, fruit cocktail |
| Canned Vegetables (without added sugar or salt) | Green beans, corn, peas, tomatoes |
| Dried Fruits (unsweetened) | Raisins, cranberries, apricots, prunes |
| 100% Fruit Juice (without added sugar) | Orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice |
WIC Food Guidelines for Canned Goods
The WIC program provides nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children under the age of five. WIC food packages include a variety of healthy foods, including canned goods.
Canned goods are a convenient and affordable way to get essential nutrients. They are a good source of fruits, vegetables, beans, and meat. Canned goods are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The WIC program has specific guidelines for the types of canned goods that are eligible for purchase. These guidelines are designed to ensure that WIC participants are getting the most nutritious foods possible.
- Canned fruits must be packed in water or natural fruit juice.
- Canned vegetables must be packed in water or low-sodium tomato juice.
- Canned beans must be low-sodium.
- Canned meat must be low-sodium and packed in water.
WIC participants can purchase canned goods at authorized WIC grocery stores. WIC grocery stores are located throughout the United States. To find a WIC grocery store near you, visit the WIC website.
| Type of Canned Good | WIC Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Must be packed in water or natural fruit juice |
| Vegetables | Must be packed in water or low-sodium tomato juice |
| Beans | Must be low-sodium |
| Meat | Must be low-sodium and packed in water |
Purchasing Canned Vegetables with WIC Vouchers
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants who receive Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) vouchers can use them to purchase nutritious canned vegetables.
Eligible Canned Vegetables
- Unsweetened canned vegetables without added salt
- Low-sodium canned vegetables
- Canned vegetables in water or their own juice
Ineligible Canned Vegetables
- Canned vegetables with added sugar
- Canned vegetables with high sodium content
- Canned vegetables in sauces, creams, or oils
Purchasing Canned Vegetables at WIC-Approved Stores
To purchase canned vegetables using WIC vouchers, visit WIC-approved grocery stores or farmers’ markets. WIC-approved stores typically display WIC signs or posters.
Using WIC Vouchers for Canned Vegetables
At the grocery store, present your WIC vouchers to the cashier and select the eligible canned vegetables you wish to purchase. The cashier will scan your vouchers and deduct the cost of the eligible canned vegetables from your voucher balance.
| WIC Voucher Type | Covered Canned Vegetables |
|---|---|
| Fruit and Vegetable Checks | Unsweetened canned vegetables without added salt |
| Cash Value Vouchers | Low-sodium canned vegetables, canned vegetables in water or their own juice |
And there you have it, folks! Next time you’re planning a WIC grocery trip, don’t forget to check the canned vegetable aisle. With so many nutritious options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that your little ones (and you!) will love. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again soon for more WIC-related tips and insights. In the meantime, happy shopping!