With a WIC Card, eligible individuals or families can purchase a variety of nutritious foods to support their health and well-being. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, infant formula, and more. WIC Cards are accepted at authorized grocery stores and farmers markets, making it convenient to access healthy food options. WIC also provides nutrition education and breastfeeding support to help participants make informed choices and improve their overall health.
Eligible WIC Foods
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods and nutrition education to low-income women and their children up to age 5. WIC foods are specific and tailored to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and young children. WIC participants receive vouchers or electronic cards to purchase eligible foods from authorized WIC vendors.
Milk and Dairy
- Milk (whole, reduced-fat, fat-free, lactose-free)
- Cheese (natural, processed, cottage)
- Yogurt (plain or flavored)
- Evaporated milk
Fruits and Vegetables
- Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
- Juice (100% fruit or vegetable)
- Dried fruits
Whole Grains
- Whole-grain bread, cereal, pasta, or rice
- Wheat germ
- Cornmeal
- Oatmeal
Proteins
- Beans, lentils, or peas (dried, canned, or frozen)
- Peanut butter
- Eggs
- Poultry
- Lean meat, fish, or shellfish
- Soy products (tofu, tempeh)
Additional Eligible Foods
| Food | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Infant cereal | Iron-fortified |
| Infant formula | Iron-fortified |
| Baby food | Unsweetened, non-organic |
| Cereals | Low-sugar, whole-grain |
| Soy milk | Fortified with calcium and vitamin D |
WIC Supplemental Foods
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 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.
The foods provided by WIC are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of each participant. The following is a list of the foods that are commonly available through WIC:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Peanut butter
- Cereal
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Juices
The specific foods that are available to each participant will vary depending on their age, nutritional needs, and other factors. For example, infants may receive formula or breast milk, while older children may receive milk, cheese, and yogurt.
| Age | Foods |
|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | Formula or breast milk, cereal, fruits, vegetables |
| Toddlers (1-3 years) | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, peanut butter, cereal, fruits, vegetables, juices |
| Children (4-5 years) | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, peanut butter, cereal, fruits, vegetables, juices |
| Pregnant women | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, peanut butter, cereal, fruits, vegetables, juices |
| Postpartum women | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, peanut butter, cereal, fruits, vegetables, juices |
| Breastfeeding women | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, peanut butter, cereal, fruits, vegetables, juices |
WIC Formula Benefits
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.
What Can You Buy on WIC?
WIC provides a variety of foods, including:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
- Dried beans and peas
- Brown rice
- Whole-wheat bread
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
Formula Benefits
WIC also provides formula benefits to infants and children who are not breastfed or who are partially breastfed. The amount of formula that is provided depends on the age of the child and whether or not the child is also receiving breast milk.
| Age of Child | Amount of Formula |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 13.4 ounces per day | 6-12 months | 16.9 ounces per day | 12-24 months | 22.6 ounces per day |
| Participant Age | Monthly Voucher Amount |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women | $47 |
| Breastfeeding women | $47 |
| Children under 1 year old | $24 |
| Children 1-4 years old | $35 |
Vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables can be used at authorized WIC vendors. To find a WIC vendor near you, visit the WIC website or call your local WIC office.
Well, there you have it! Hopefully, this rundown of what you can buy with your WIC card has been helpful. I know grocery shopping with WIC can be a bit different than regular shopping, but hopefully this article has made it a little bit easier. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back later for more WIC-related content!