WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program that provides food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children under the age of five. WIC provides a variety of foods, including infant formula, to its participants. The amount of formula that WIC provides varies depending on the age of the child and the specific formula that is prescribed. For infants under 12 months old, WIC typically provides enough formula to cover the child’s entire daily needs. For older children, WIC may provide a partial supply of formula, or may recommend that the child switch to whole milk. WIC also provides nutrition counseling and support to help participants make healthy choices for themselves and their children.
WIC Eligibility Requirements in New York
To be eligible for WIC in New York, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, or an infant or child under the age of 5.
- Have a low income. The income guidelines are based on the federal poverty level. For example, a family of four with an income below $46,060 per year is eligible for WIC.
- Live in New York State.
- Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or legal immigrant.
You can apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic. You will need to bring proof of your income, proof of your identity, and proof of your residency. You will also need to have your child with you at your appointment.
Once you are approved for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized grocery stores. WIC provides a variety of foods, including infant formula, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The amount of formula that WIC provides varies depending on the age of your child and whether you are breastfeeding.
| Age of Child | Breastfeeding | Formula Provided |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Yes | 24 cans per month |
| 0-6 months | No | 48 cans per month |
| 7-12 months | Yes | 16 cans per month |
| 7-12 months | No | 32 cans per month |
Types of Formula Covered by WIC Program
The WIC program provides financial assistance for the purchase of specific types of infant formula. These formulas meet the nutritional needs of infants and are available in various forms to suit different dietary needs.
- Standard Iron-Fortified Formula: This type of formula is designed for healthy infants who are not allergic to cow’s milk.
- Iron-Fortified Formula with DHA: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for brain and eye development. This formula is designed for infants who are not allergic to cow’s milk.
- Soy-Based Formula: This type of formula is designed for infants who are allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk. It is made from soy protein.
- Lactose-Free Formula: This type of formula is designed for infants who are allergic or intolerant to lactose, the sugar found in milk. It is made from a whey protein isolate that is lactose-free.
- Hypoallergenic Formula: This type of formula is designed for infants who have severe food allergies or intolerances. It is made from extensively hydrolyzed proteins that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
In addition to the above types of formula, WIC may also provide other types of infant special formulas such as those designed for preterm infants or those with metabolic disorders.
Maximum Amount of Formula Provided
The amount of formula provided by WIC in New York varies depending on the age of the infant and the type of formula prescribed. WIC provides enough formula to meet the infant’s nutritional needs for one month.
- 0-6 months: 1352 ounces of formula per month
- 6-12 months: 20 ounces of formula per day, or 620 ounces per month
WIC provides two types of formula: iron-fortified formula and soy-based formula. Iron-fortified formula is the recommended type of formula for most infants. Soy-based formula is recommended for infants who are allergic to milk protein.
WIC also provides other nutritional supplements to infants, such as iron drops and vitamin D drops. These supplements help to ensure that infants are getting the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.
| Age of Infant | Amount of Formula Provided |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 1352 ounces per month |
| 6-12 months | 620 ounces per month |
Duration of Formula Coverage
WIC provides formula coverage for infants and children up to the age of 12 months. If a child is determined to have special nutritional needs, WIC may extend coverage up to the age of 24 months.
For children ages 12-24 months, WIC provides milk vouchers instead of formula.
And that’s all there is to it, folks! Hopefully, this article has given you a clearer picture of how much formula WIC provides in NY. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local WIC office. They’ll be happy to help you out. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you again soon!