The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to children under age 5. WIC offers a variety of food items, including milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. WIC also provides nutrition education and breastfeeding support. To be eligible for WIC, you must meet certain income guidelines and live in a WIC-approved area. You can apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic.
WIC-Approved Cereal Brands
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vouchers for specific food items, including cereal, to eligible participants. When selecting cereal, it’s essential to choose WIC-approved brands to ensure that you’re receiving the intended nutritional benefits.
Approved Cereal Brands
- Cheerios
- Cheerios with Whole Grain Oats
- Cheerios with Honey
- Cheerios with Oats and Honey
- Cheerios with Apples & Cinnamon
- Cheerios with Strawberries & Bananas
- Cheerios with Yogurt Burst
- Cheerios with Chocolate
- Cheerios with Banana Nut
- Cheerios with Peach
- Cheerios with Mixed Berries
- Cheerios with Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Cheerios with Honey Nut
- Cheerios with Cinnamon
- Cheerios with Grape
- Cheerios with Blueberries
- Cheerios with Apple
Additional WIC-Approved Cereal Options
WIC may also approve other cereal brands or flavors based on availability and local guidelines. It’s always best to consult with your local WIC office or clinic to determine the latest list of approved cereals.
| Brand | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Kashi | Go Lean Original |
| Kellogg’s | Raisin Bran |
| Nature’s Path | Flax Plus Raisin Bran |
| Post | Shredded Wheat |
| Quaker | Instant Oatmeal |
Nutritional Requirements for WIC-Approved Cereals
To be approved for the WIC program, cereals must meet specific nutritional requirements. These requirements help ensure that WIC participants are receiving the nutrients they need, including:
1. Iron: At least 4.5 mg per 100 grams of cereal.
2. Calcium: At least 100 mg per 100 grams of cereal.
3. Vitamin D: At least 40 IU per 100 grams of cereal.
4. Fiber: At least 2 grams per 100 grams of cereal.
5. Whole grains: At least 51% of the cereal’s weight must come from whole grains.
| Brand | Iron (mg) | Calcium (mg) | Vitamin D (IU) | Fiber (g) | Whole Grains (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios | 9.3 | 110 | 110 | 3.6 | 91 |
| Kashi Go Lean | 11.8 | 100 | 120 | 11 | 90 |
| Nature’s Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran Flakes | 18.5 | 110 | 40 | 5.5 | 68 |
| Post Grape Nuts | 12.5 | 100 | 100 | 7.6 | 83 |
| Kellogg’s Raisin Bran | 12.5 | 100 | 100 | 10 | 52 |
What Cereal Can I Get On WIC
WIC is a federal nutrition program, run at the state level by public health departments, that provides food to low-income women, infants, and children. WIC provides a variety of foods, including cereal. WIC-approved cereals are whole grain, low in sugar, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. There are a variety of WIC-approved cereals available, so it is important to find one that your child likes and that meets their nutritional needs.
How to Find WIC-Approved Cereals
- Ask your WIC nutritionist for a list of WIC-approved cereals.
- Check the WIC website for your state.
- Look for the WIC logo on cereal boxes in grocery stores.
Here is a table of some popular WIC-approved cereals:
| Cereal | Brand | Serving Size | Calories | Sugar (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios | General Mills | 1 cup | 110 | 2 | 3 |
| Kix | General Mills | 1 cup | 110 | 3 | 2 |
| Wheat Chex | General Mills | 1 cup | 110 | 2 | 3 |
| Fiber One Original | General Mills | 1 cup | 90 | 0 | 18 |
| Raisin Bran | Post | 1 cup | 130 | 16 | 11 |
| Shredded Wheat | Nabisco | 1 biscuit | 80 | 0 | 4 |
Benefits of WIC-Approved Cereals
WIC-approved cereals are a nutritious and affordable option for families with low incomes. These cereals are fortified with iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients, which can help to prevent deficiencies in children. WIC-approved cereals are also low in sugar and fat, which makes them a healthy choice for children of all ages.
Nutritional Value of WIC-Approved Cereals
As mentioned above, WIC-approved cereals offer a range of nutrients, including:
- Iron: Iron is essential for red blood cell production and can help to prevent anemia.
- Calcium: Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
- Fiber: Fiber can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, and can also help to regulate digestion.
- Whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100-130 |
| Fat | 0-2 grams |
| Sodium | 0-100 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25 grams |
| Protein | 2-4 grams |
| Iron | 10-15 milligrams |
| Calcium | 100-150 milligrams |
| Vitamin D | 100-150 IU |
| Fiber | 2-3 grams |
The exact nutritional content of WIC-approved cereals will vary depending on the brand and type. However, all WIC-approved cereals must meet certain nutritional requirements in order to be eligible for the program.
Well there you have it, folks! Now you know what cereals you can get with your WIC benefits. I hope this article has helped you out. Next time you hit the grocery store, be sure to stock up on some breakfast cereal. And don’t forget to check WIC eligibility for other food items as well. Thanks for reading, and come back soon!