Eligibility for WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) benefits depends on income and nutritional need. The program provides a variety of nutritious foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Grits, a traditional Southern dish made from boiled cornmeal, may or may not be covered by WIC. Eligibility requirements for WIC vary by state, so it is recommended to check with local WIC agencies for specific guidelines. If grits are not directly covered by WIC, they may still be available as a grain option if they meet certain nutritional criteria, such as whole grain content and iron fortification.
## WIC-Eligible Food List
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides food and nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5.
The WIC food list includes a variety of healthy foods, including:
– Fruits and vegetables
– Whole grains
– Milk and dairy products
– Meat, poultry, and fish
– Eggs
– Beans and peas
– Peanut butter
– Canned fish
– Infant formula
Grits is not on the WIC food list. However, there are other whole grain cereals that are WIC-eligible, such as:
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat bread
- Whole grain pasta
If you are a WIC participant, you can ask your WIC nutritionist about other whole grain cereals that are WIC-eligible.
| Category | Food Items |
|—|—|
| Fruits | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits |
| Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables |
| Whole Grains | Whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole grain pasta |
| Milk and Dairy | Milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Lean meat, poultry, fish, and canned fish |
| Eggs | Eggs |
| Beans and Peas | Dried or canned beans and peas |
| Peanut Butter | Peanut butter |
| Canned Fish | Canned fish |
| Infant Formula | Infant formula |
Grains and WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. WIC provides a variety of healthy foods, including grains.
Grains are a good source of:
- Fiber
- Iron
- B vitamins
WIC participants can choose from a variety of whole-grain foods, including:
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Whole-wheat bread
- Whole-wheat pasta
WIC also provides vouchers for grits, which is a type of ground corn. Grits are a good source of energy and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as breakfast cereal, porridge, and cornbread.
| Age Group | Monthly Voucher Amount |
|---|---|
| Infants 0-6 months | $0 |
| Infants 6-12 months | $8 |
| Children 1-5 years | $16 |
| Women | $16 |
The amount of grain vouchers that WIC participants receive each month depends on their age and income. Infants 0-6 months do not receive any grain vouchers. Infants 6-12 months receive $8 worth of grain vouchers each month. Children 1-5 years receive $16 worth of grain vouchers each month. Women receive $16 worth of grain vouchers each month.
Breakfast Options on WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides a variety of healthy foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. These foods can help WIC participants meet their nutritional needs and improve their overall health.
Breakfast cereals
- Whole-grain oatmeal
- Whole-wheat bread
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
Fruits
- Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes
- Canned fruits in 100% juice
- Frozen fruits without added sugar
Juices
- 100% fruit juice such as orange juice, apple juice, and grape juice
Milk
- Milk – whole, 2%, 1%, or skim
- Soy milk
Dairy products
- Yogurt
- Cheese
Meat and poultry
- Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish
- Eggs
Beans and peas
- Canned or dried beans and peas
- Lentils
Supplemental Nutrition Programs
The federal government provides several nutrition programs to low-income individuals and families, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs provide vouchers or electronic benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
WIC is a nutrition program specifically designed for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5. The program provides vouchers for a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole grains. Grits are not currently a food item that is covered by the USDA’s list of approved foods for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
| Food Category | Foods Included |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits |
| Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried vegetables |
| Meat and Poultry | Fresh, frozen, canned, or smoked meat, poultry, and fish |
| Dairy | Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products |
| Grains | Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, and other whole grains |
Well, there you have it. Now you know the answer to the age-old question: “Can you get grits on WIC?” Be sure to check back with us later for more need-to-know information like this. Thanks for stopping by!