The amount provided by WIC per month varies depending on factors such as family size, income, and the age and nutritional needs of participating children. On average, participants receive approximately $11 to $12 per child each month. This amount is typically provided in the form of vouchers or checks that can be used to purchase authorized WIC foods, including milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, and cereal. WIC also provides nutrition education and breastfeeding support to eligible families.
WIC Program Overview
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides supplemental food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children under the age of 5 who are at nutritional risk.
- WIC provides a variety of foods, including:
- fruits and vegetables
- milk and dairy products
- whole grains
- meat, poultry, and fish
- WIC also provides nutrition education and breastfeeding support to help participants make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
To be eligible for WIC, participants must meet income guidelines and be determined to be at nutritional risk. Participants can apply for WIC at their local WIC clinic.
WIC Allotments
The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food benefits to low-income women, infants, and children. The amount of benefits a family receive each month depends on the number of people in their household, their ages, and their nutritional needs.
- For infants (0-12 months):
- $9.27 for iron-fortified baby food
- $43.86 for supplemental milk
- For children (1-4 years):
- $11.77 for milk
- $6.39 for cereal
- $9.27 for fruit and/or fruit or 100% fruit or 100% fruit and yogurt smoothies
- $8.44 for fruit and/or 100% fruit or 100% fruit and yogurt smoothies
- $6.39 for cheese
- $6.39 for peanut butter and/or seed butters
- $6.39 for tofu
- $6.39 for eggs
- $6.39 for canned fish
- $6.39 for whole-wheat bread, tortillas, rice, or whole-grain snacks
- $6.39 for fresh, canned or fresh and/or canned beets, carrots, spinach, sweet potates, peas, or baked or light (low-sodium) kidney or pinto or refried (low-sodium) black, pinto or kidney (or a combination of two or more less than 300 mg. per serving or 240 mg. per 1/2 cup of drained, canned)];
- For women who are:
- Postpartum:
- $17.23 for milk
- $4.49 for eggs
- $8.46 for whole-wheat bread, tortillas, rice, or whole-grain snacks
- $6.94 for peanut butter and/or seed butters
- $6.94 for canned fish
- $6.94 for fresh, canned or fresh and/or canned beets, carrots, spinach, sweet potates, peas, or baked or light (low-sodium) kidney or pinto or refried (low-sodium) black, pinto or kidney (or a combination of two or more less than 300 mg. per serving or 240 mg. per 1/2 cup of drained, canned)];
- Breastfeeding:
- $17.23 for milk
- $43.86 for supplemental food
- $4.49 for eggs
- $8.46 for whole-wheat bread, tortillas, rice, or whole-grain snacks
- $6.94 for peanut butter and/or seed butters
- $6.94 for canned fish
- $6.94 for fresh, canned or fresh and/or canned beets, carrots, spinach, sweet potates, peas, or baked or light (low-sodium) kidney or pinto or refried (low-sodium) black, pinto or kidney (or a combination of two or more less than 300 mg. per serving or 240 mg. per 1/2 cup of drained, canned)];
- Pregnancy:
- $17.23 for milk
- $8.46 for whole-wheat bread, tortillas, rice, or whole-grain snacks
- $6.94 for peanut butter and/or seed butters
- $6.94 for canned fish
- $6.94 for fresh, canned or fresh and/or canned beets, carrots, spinach, sweet potates, peas, or baked or light (low-sodium) kidney or pinto or refried (low-sodium) black, pinto or kidney (or a combination of two or more less than 300 mg. per serving or 240 mg. per 1/2 cup of drained, canned)];
Age Group Allotment per month Infant (0-12 months) $53.13 Child (1-4 years) $60.98 Postpartum woman $43.82 Breastfeeding woman $65.96 Pregnancy woman $43.82 Nutritional Support
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. WIC offers a variety of nutritious foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Soy
- Infant formula (for infants who are not breastfeeding)
Education
In addition to providing food, WIC also offers nutrition education and counseling. WIC staff can help participants learn about:
- Healthy eating habits
- Breastfeeding
- Infant care
- Child development
Benefits
Participant Monthly Benefits Pregnant women $49 Postpartum women $49 Breastfeeding women $49 Infants $43 Children ages 1-3 $43 Children ages 4-5 $39 Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of 5
- Have a low income
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
To apply for WIC, you will need to bring proof of your income, such as a pay stub or tax return. You will also need to bring proof of your pregnancy or breastfeeding status, such as a doctor’s note or birth certificate.
Monthly Food Benefits
Monthly Food Benefits $9/month for fruits and vegetables $9/month for milk $9/month for whole wheat bread $9/month for cheese $9/month for eggs $9/month for beans $9/month for peanut butter Well, there you have it! The lowdown on what WIC provides every month. It’s a great program that can really help those who need it, and I hope this article has given you a better understanding of how it works. If you have any other questions, feel free to check out the WIC website or give them a call. And thanks for reading! Be sure to visit us again later for more helpful info and updates.
- Postpartum: