Many low-income families with children rely on the government-funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for nutritional support. WIC offers various foods, including cereal, which is a good source of energy and nutrients. The variety of cereals approved for purchase through WIC varies between states and local WIC agencies, but typically includes whole-grain options, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat cereals, as well as fortified cereals with added vitamins and minerals. These cereals provide essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and calcium, which are crucial for healthy development and growth. By providing access to nutritious cereals, WIC helps ensure that children receive the proper nutrition they need to thrive.
What Cereal Can You Get On WIC?
WIC is a government program that provides food assistance to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as children under the age of five. WIC offers a variety of foods, including cereal, which is an important part of a healthy diet.
Health Benefits of Whole Grains
- Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Fiber can also help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Whole grains are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Eating whole grains has been linked to a number of health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced risk of stroke
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- Reduced risk of certain types of cancer
What Cereals Are Available on WIC?
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Cheerios | Whole grain oats |
| Kix | Whole grain corn |
| Raisin Bran | Whole grain wheat |
| Shredded Wheat | Whole grain wheat |
| Total | Whole grain oats, wheat, and barley |
These are just a few of the cereals that are available on WIC. Your WIC clinic can provide you with a more complete list.
When choosing a cereal, be sure to look for one that is made with whole grains. Whole grains will have the word “whole” in the ingredient list. You should also avoid cereals that are high in sugar or fat.
Eating cereal is a great way to get the nutrients you need to stay healthy. If you are on WIC, be sure to take advantage of the cereals that are available to you.
## What You Can Get on WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and children up to age 5. WIC-approved foods include:
* **Fruits**
* **Vegetables**
* **Whole grains**
* **Milk**
* **Yogurt**
* **Cheese**
* **Eggs**
* **Beans**
* **Peanut butter**
* **Infants formula**
### Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Cereals
* **Look for whole grains.** Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion.
* **Choose cereals with low added sugars.** Added sugars contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
* **Choose cereals with high fiber.** Fiber keeps you feeling full and satisfied, which can help you eat less overall.
* **Avoid cereals with artificial flavors and colors.** These ingredients are not good for your health.
### WIC-Approved Cereals
The following table lists some WIC-approved cereals:
| Cereal | Whole Grains | Added Sugars | Fiber |
|—|—|—|—|
| Cheerios | Yes | Low | High |
| Kix | Yes | Low | High |
| Grape Nuts | Yes | Low | High |
| Wheaties | Yes | Low | High |
| Shredded Wheat | Yes | Low | High |
| Kellogg’s All-Bran | Yes | Low | High |
| Post Grape-Nuts | Yes | Low | High |
| Quaker Oats | Yes | Low | High |
| Nature’s Path Flax Plus | Yes | Low | High |
| Kashi Go Lean | Yes | Low | High |
| Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal | Yes | Low | High |
### Conclusion
WIC provides a variety of nutritious foods to low-income women and children. By following these tips, you can choose the WIC-approved foods that are best for your health.
Plant-Based Cereal Options on WIC
The WIC program provides a variety of cereals to participants, including plant-based options. These cereals are a good source of essential nutrients, such as fiber, iron, and calcium.
- Cheerios
- Kashi Go Lean Crunch!
- Post Grape Nuts
- Nature’s Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran Flakes
- Barbara’s Bakery Puffins Cereal
| Cereal | Fiber (g) | Iron (mg) | Calcium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios | 3 | 2 | 100 |
| Kashi Go Lean Crunch! | 11 | 4 | 180 |
| Post Grape Nuts | 7 | 6 | 200 |
| Nature’s Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran Flakes | 12 | 8 | 250 |
| Barbara’s Bakery Puffins Cereal | 2 | 4 | 120 |
When choosing a plant-based cereal on WIC, it is important to read the nutrition label carefully. Some cereals may be fortified with additional nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D, which are not naturally found in plant-based foods.
Comparison of Breakfast Cereal Brands
When selecting breakfast cereals for WIC, consider the following factors:
- Whole grains: Choose cereals with at least 51% whole grains per serving.
- Fiber: Aim for cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
- Sugar: Limit cereals with more than 10 grams of added sugar per serving.
- Sodium: Choose cereals with less than 200 milligrams of sodium per serving.
- Protein: Select cereals with at least 2 grams of protein per serving.
| Brand | Whole Grains | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios | Yes (51%) | 3g | 4g | 160mg | 2g |
| Kix | Yes (51%) | 3g | 0g | 170mg | 2g |
| Raisin Bran | Yes (51%) | 6g | 10g | 200mg | 4g |
| Cornflakes | Yes (51%) | 1g | 2g | 190mg | 2g |
| Frosted Flakes | No (0%) | 1g | 13g | 210mg | 2g |
Remember to check the ingredient list for any allergens or ingredients you may want to avoid.
So, there you have it, folks! From Cheerios to Total, we’ve covered the cereals you can get on WIC. Remember, these options are subject to change, so be sure to check with your local WIC office for the most up-to-date information. Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this article helpful! Come back and visit us again soon for more WIC-related tips and tidbits.