WIC Approved Foods refer to nutritious selections approved by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program aims to provide assistance to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. WIC Approved Foods typically include a range of healthy choices such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and protein-rich foods. These foods are designed to support healthy growth and development in young children, ensuring they receive essential nutrients during critical stages of life.
Nutritional Guidelines for WIC Participants
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to children up to the age of five. All foods provided through WIC are chosen to be nutrient-rich and supportive of healthy growth and development.
Allowed Food Items
WIC’s food packages provide a variety of healthy foods that are high in nutrients and low in empty calories. These may include:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned, or dried)
- Whole grains (brown rice, whole-wheat bread or pasta)
- Lean proteins (lean meat, fish, beans, eggs)
- Dairy or soy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Infant formula and baby food
Foods to Avoid
To ensure that the WIC food package is as nutritious as possible, certain foods are not included. These include:
- Sugary drinks (soda, juice drinks, sports drinks)
- Candy and sweets
- Salty snacks and processed meats
- Foods high in saturated fat (butter, fatty meats)
Nutritional Recommendations for WIC Participants
In addition to providing food, WIC also provides nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy choices. WIC recommends that participants follow these guidelines to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need:
| Nutrient | Recommended Daily Intake |
|---|---|
| Calories | Varies depending on age, gender, and activity level |
| Protein | 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight |
| Carbohydrates | 45-65% of total calories |
| Fat | 20-35% of total calories |
| Calcium | 800-1,200 mg |
| Iron | 18 mg for pregnant women, 10 mg for breastfeeding women, 10 mg for children 6-12 months, 7 mg for children 1-2 years |
| Vitamin D | 400-600 IU |
| Vitamin C | 75-90 mg |
| Folic acid | 400-600 mcg |
By following these guidelines, WIC participants can ensure they are getting the nutrients they need for optimal health and well-being.
## WIC-Approved Foods
The Special Supplement Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental food assistance to low-income families with pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. WIC-approved foods include a variety of healthy options that can help families meet their nutritional needs.
### Foods for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women can receive food benefits to help them get the extra nutrients they need during pregnancy. These foods include:
– Fruits and vegetables
– Beans, legumes, and tofu
– Lean protein, such as fish, chicken, or beans
– Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
– Eggs
### Foods for Infants
Infants can receive food benefits from WIC until they are one year old. These foods include:
– Formula
– Breastfeeding supplies, such as a breast pump
– Baby food, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, and cereal
– Finger foods, such as puffs and teething biscuits
### Foods for Children
Children over the age of one can receive food benefits from WIC until they are five years old. These foods include:
– Milk
– Cheese
– Fruits and vegetables
– Beans, legumes, and tofu
– Lean protein, such as fish, chicken, or beans
– Whole grains
### WIC-Approved Food List
The following table provides a list of WIC-approved foods that can be purchased with WIC benefits.
| Food Group | WIC-Approved Foods |
|—|—|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables |
| Beans, legumes, and tofu | Canned or dried beans, lentils, or tofu |
| Lean protein | Fish, chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, or beans |
| Dairy products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, or eggs |
| Whole grains | Oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat bread |
### Additional Information
In addition to the foods listed above, WIC may also provide other food benefits, such as:
– Cash benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables
– Farmers’ market coupons
– Cooking classes
To learn more about WIC and to see if you are eligible, contact your local WIC office.
Fruits in WIC
- Fresh fruits and frozen fruits without added sugar
- Dried fruits without added sugar
- Fruit juice (100% only)
Vegetables in WIC
- Fresh vegetables and frozen vegetables
- Canned vegetables without added salt or fat
- Vegetable juice (100% only)
Whole Grains in WIC
WIC offers a variety of whole grains to participants. They are good sources of fiber, which is important for a healthy digestive system.
| Whole Grains | Examples |
|---|---|
| Brown rice | Whole-wheat bread |
| Quinoa | Oatmeal |
| Whole-wheat pasta | Popcorn |
## Dairy
– Milk: Whole, 2%, 1%, skim, nonfat, fortified, flavored, powdered
– Yogurt: Plain, flavored, Greek, low-fat, nonfat
– Cheese: Natural, processed, American, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, Parmesan
– Cottage cheese
– Sour cream
– Half-and-half
– Buttermilk
## Protein
– Meat: Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, ground beef, bacon, sausage
– Fish: Salmon, tuna, cod, flounder, shrimp, crab
– Eggs
– Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans
– Lentils
– Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews
– Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds
– Tofu
## Grain Products Under WIC
| Grain Product | Examples |
|—|—|
| Whole grains | Whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa |
| Enriched grains | White bread, pasta, crackers, cereals |
| 100% whole wheat | Whole wheat flour, whole wheat pasta |
| 50% whole wheat | 50% whole wheat bread, 50% whole wheat flour |
## Avoid Using the Phrase ‘What Are WIC Approved Foods’
When writing about WIC-approved foods, it is important to avoid using the phrase ‘What Are WIC Approved Foods’ as a subtopic title. This is because the phrase is too broad and does not provide specific information about the types of foods that are approved under WIC. Instead, it is better to use more specific subtopic titles, such as ‘Dairy,’ ‘Protein,’ and ‘Grain Products Under WIC.’ These subtopic titles will help readers to more easily find the information they are looking for.
And there you have it, folks! We’ve covered all the delicious and nutritious food options available through WIC. Thanks for sticking with us and learning about the scrumptious ways WIC helps families feed their little ones. If you’re curious about anything else regarding WIC, feel free to visit our website or chat with one of our friendly staff members anytime. We’re always here to help and make sure you have all the information you need. So, until next time, keep those WIC goodies coming and enjoy all the wonderful benefits they offer!