With a WIC card, you can shop for a variety of nutritious foods that support the health and well-being of women, infants, and children. Some of the items you can purchase include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and infant formula. These foods are essential for healthy growth and development, and the WIC program helps to ensure that eligible families have access to them. To use your WIC card, simply present it at participating grocery stores and select the eligible items you want to buy. WIC benefits are typically distributed on a monthly basis, and you can check your balance and track your purchases using the WIC mobile app or by visiting your local WIC clinic.
WIC Food Benefits
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
WIC food benefits vary by state, but all WIC participants receive vouchers or checks to purchase specific foods that are high in nutrients that are often lacking in the diets of low-income families. These foods include:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Infant formula
- Baby food
Some states also offer additional WIC food benefits, such as:
- Canned fish
- Peanut butter
- Dried beans
- Brown rice
- Whole-wheat bread
To find out what WIC food benefits are available in your state, contact your local WIC office.
WIC Food List by Category
| Category | Foods |
|---|---|
| Dairy | Milk, cheese, yogurt |
| Fruits and vegetables | Fruits and vegetables |
| Whole grains | Whole grains |
| Protein | Eggs, canned fish, peanut butter, dried beans |
| Other | Infant formula, baby food |
## The WIC Program: A Guide to Eligible Food Items
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides supplemental nutritious foods to eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children up to age 5. These foods are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of these groups and to help them stay healthy.
### Eligible WIC Items
To participate in the WIC program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and provide proof of identity, income, and residency. Once enrolled, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase eligible foods at WIC-authorized stores. Eligible WIC items include:
**Foods for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women:**
* Milk and cheese
* Fruits and vegetables
* Whole grains
* Eggs
* Beans and lentils
* Fish and lean meats
**Foods for Infants:**
* Infant formula
* Iron-fortified infant cereal
* Fruits and vegetables
* Milk and yogurt
**Foods for Children Ages 1-5:**
* Milk and cheese
* Fruits and vegetables
* Whole grains
* Lean meats and beans
* Eggs
### Foods to Avoid with WIC
It is important to note that not all foods are eligible for purchase with WIC. Some foods that are not eligible include:
* Sugary drinks
* Candy
* Chips
* Processed foods
* Alcohol
* Tobacco products
### Table of Eligible WIC Items
For your convenience, here is a table summarizing the eligible WIC items for each category:
| Category | Eligible Foods |
|—|—|
| Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women | Milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, eggs, beans, lentils, fish, lean meats |
| Infants | Infant formula, iron-fortified infant cereal, fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt |
| Children Ages 1-5 | Milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, eggs |
If you have any questions about what foods are eligible with WIC, please contact your local WIC office.
WIC Income Guidelines
To qualify for the WIC program, you must meet certain income guidelines. The income guidelines are based on the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL is a measure of poverty that is used by the government to determine eligibility for various programs, including WIC.
The WIC income guidelines are as follows:
- Pregnant women: 185% of the FPL
- Breastfeeding women: 185% of the FPL
- Children under age 1: 185% of the FPL
- Children ages 1-5: 185% of the FPL
If your income is above the WIC income guidelines, you may still be eligible for the program if you have a medical condition that qualifies you for WIC. For example, if you are pregnant and have anemia, you may be eligible for WIC even if your income is above the guidelines.
## What Can I Buy With a WIC Card?
The Special Supplemental Food for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a federal nutrition program that provides food and nutrition education to low- and moderate- income families. WIC cards are used to purchase specific healthy foods that are designed to supplement the diet of women, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
### How to Use a WIC Card
* WIC cards can be used at authorized WIC stores.
* To use your WIC card, simply present it to the cashier at the store.
* The cashier will scan your card and enter the amount of food you are purchasing.
* The store will then provide you with the food items that you are eligible for.
### What Can I Buy With a WIC Card?
The following table lists the food items that can be purchased with a WIC card:
| Food Item | Serving Size | Number of Servings per Month |
|—|—|—|
| Fruits and vegetables | 1 cup | 12 |
| Canned fish | 5 oz | 4 |
| Dried beans and lentils | 1 cup | 4 |
| Eggs | 2 | 12 |
| Yogurt | 6 oz | 12 |
| Non-fat milk | 1 cup | 12 |
| Low-fat milk | 1 cup | 12 |
| Infant formula | 1 can | As needed |
| Baby food | 1 jar | As needed |
Well, there you have it, folks! I hope this article has enlightened you on all the wonderful things you can purchase with your WIC card. Remember, it’s a valuable resource that can help you and your family stay healthy and nourished. So, take advantage of it and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to come back and visit us again soon for more helpful tips and information!