WIC, also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a government program that provides supplemental food assistance to low-income women, infants, and children under the age of five. In Florida, WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula. WIC also provides nutrition education and breastfeeding support to participants. To be eligible for WIC in Florida, applicants must meet certain income guidelines and nutritional risk criteria.
Approved Fruits and Vegetables
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has approved a list of fruits and vegetables that can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This list includes fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables, as well as seeds and plants for growing your own food.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Apples
- Bananas
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines)
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Green beans
- Lettuce
- Mangoes
- Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Papayas
- Peaches
- Peppers
- Pineapples
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti)
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Watermelons
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines)
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Green beans
- Lettuce
- Mangoes
- Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Papayas
- Peaches
- Peppers
- Pineapples
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti)
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Watermelons
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines)
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Green beans
- Lettuce
- Mangoes
- Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Papayas
- Peaches
- Peppers
- Pineapples
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti)
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Watermelons
Seeds and Plants
- Fruit tree seedlings (apple, citrus, mango, papaya, peach, pear)
- Vegetable seeds (beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes)
- Herb plants (basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fresh Fruits and Vegetables | Apples, bananas, berries, broccoli, carrots |
| Frozen Fruits and Vegetables | Berries, broccoli, corn, green beans, peas |
| Canned Fruits and Vegetables | Fruit cocktail, peaches, tomatoes |
| Seeds and Plants | Apple tree seedlings, tomato seeds |
What Can I Buy With WIC In Florida?
Grains and Cereals
WIC participants in Florida can use their benefits to purchase a variety of grains and cereals, including:
- Brown rice
- White rice
- Whole wheat bread
- White bread
- Corn tortillas
- Oatmeal
- Grits
- Cereal
The following table provides more specific information about the types and quantities of grains and cereals that can be purchased with WIC benefits in Florida:
| **Grain or Cereal** | **Type** | **Quantity** |
|:—|:—|:—|
| Brown rice | Whole grain | 36 ounces per month |
| White rice | Enriched | 36 ounces per month |
| Whole wheat bread | Whole grain | 16 slices per week |
| White bread | Fortified | 16 slices per week |
| Corn tortillas | Whole grain or enriched | 12 per month |
| Oatmeal | Instant or old-fashioned | 18 ounces per month |
| Grits | Instant or regular | 24 ounces per month |
| Cereal | Whole grain or enriched | 36 ounces per month |
Dairy and Non-Dairy Alternatives
WIC offers a variety of dairy and non-dairy alternatives to meet the nutritional needs of participants. These include:
- Milk (whole, 2%, 1%, fat-free)
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan)
- Yogurt (plain, flavored)
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Rice milk
- Oat milk
The following table provides a summary of the dairy and non-dairy alternatives available through WIC in Florida:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk (whole, 2%, 1%, fat-free) | 480 oz per month |
| Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan) | 16 oz per month |
| Yogurt (plain, flavored) | 32 oz per month |
| Soy milk | 32 oz per month |
| Almond milk | 32 oz per month |
| Rice milk | 32 oz per month |
| Oat milk | 32 oz per month |
Nuts and Seeds
WIC Florida provides participants with a variety of nuts and seeds, which are excellent sources of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. The following nuts and seeds are available through the WIC program:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
Eggs
Eggs are a nutrient-rich food that is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. WIC Florida provides participants with fresh, whole eggs. Eggs can be used in a variety of dishes, including scrambled eggs, omelets, and hard-boiled eggs. WIC participants can also use eggs to make baked goods, such as muffins and cookies.
| Egg Size | Number of Eggs per Month |
|---|---|
| Small | 4 dozen |
| Medium | 3 dozen |
| Large | 2 dozen |
Well, there you have it! That’s what you can buy with WIC in Florida. Remember, the program is designed to help you and your family stay healthy and well-nourished. So if you qualify, don’t hesitate to apply. And thanks for reading! Please visit us again later for more information on WIC and other programs that can help you and your family.