The WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) offers nutritional assistance to low-income families by providing supplemental foods, including cereal. To be eligible for the WIC program, cereal must meet certain nutritional criteria established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approved cereals are typically fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D, to help meet the nutritional needs of infants, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. These cereals are typically whole grain and low in added sugar, providing a nutritious and cost-effective breakfast or snack option for WIC participants.
What Cereal Is Approved By WIC?
The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional assistance to low- and moderate- income families. WIC-approved cereals are a good source of whole grains, fiber, and iron. They are also low in sugar and fat.
To be approved by WIC, a cereal must meet certain nutritional requirements. These requirements include:
- At least 51% whole grains
- At least 3 grams of fiber per serving
- At least 10% of the Daily Value for iron per serving
- Less than 10% of the Daily Value for added sugar per serving
There are many different brands of cereal that are approved by WIC. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Cheerios
- Kix
- Shredded Wheat
- Raisin Bran
- Grape-Nuts
You can find a complete list of WIC-approved cereals on the WIC website. You can also ask your local WIC clinic for a list of approved cereals.
If you are a WIC-eligible family, you can get a monthly food package that includes cereal. The food package will also include other healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and cheese.
| Brand | WW | Fiber | Iron | Added Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios | 51% | 3 grams | 10% | 0% |
| Kix | 51% | 3 grams | 10% | 0% |
| Shredded Wheat | 100% | 10 grams | 20% | 0% |
| Raisin Bran | 51% | 4 grams | 15% | 10% |
| Grape-Nuts | 100% | 7 grams | 15% | 0% |
Setting Industry Standards
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as to infants and children under the age of 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides a variety of food items, including cereal, which is an important source of nutrients for infants and children.
In order to be approved by WIC, cereal must meet certain nutritional standards. These standards are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are based on the latest scientific research on infant and child nutrition. The USDA WIC Food Package Prescribed Formula Requirements outline the specific requirements that WIC-approved cereals must meet.
WIC-approved cereals must be:
- Iron-fortified
- Whole grain
- Low in sugar
- Free of trans fats
- A good source of fiber
In addition to meeting the USDA’s nutritional standards, WIC-approved cereals must also be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA ensures that WIC-approved cereals are safe for infants and children to consume.
The following table lists some of the most popular WIC-approved cereals:
| Cereal | Iron (mg) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios | 11 | 2 | 2 |
| Kix | 12 | 1 | 3 |
| Raisin Bran | 11 | 4 | 13 |
| Total | 13 | 3 | 9 |
WIC-approved cereals are an important part of a healthy diet for infants and children. They provide essential nutrients that help infants and children grow and develop properly. If you are a WIC participant, be sure to include WIC-approved cereals in your child’s diet.
Consumer Protection Measures
To ensure the quality and safety of WIC-approved cereals, various consumer protection measures are in place:
- Government Regulations: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes and enforces regulations for the production, packaging, and labeling of cereals to ensure their safety and nutritional value.
- USDA Inspection: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects and approves cereal manufacturers to ensure compliance with WIC program requirements.
- State and Local Regulations: States and local governments may have additional regulations or guidelines for WIC-approved cereals.
- Consumer Rights and Protections: WIC participants have the right to report any concerns or issues with WIC-approved cereals to their local WIC agency or the USDA.
Here is a table summarizing the key consumer protection measures for WIC-approved cereals:
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Government Regulations | FDA regulations ensure safety and nutritional value of cereals. |
| USDA Inspection | USDA approves manufacturers and ensures compliance with WIC requirements. |
| State and Local Regulations | Additional regulations or guidelines may be in place. |
| Consumer Rights and Protections | Participants can report concerns or issues to WIC or USDA. |
WIC-Approved Cereals
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of 5. Cereals are an important part of a healthy diet, and many different types of cereals are available to choose from. Not all cereals, however, are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for purchase with the aid of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The following is a list of cereals that are approved by the USDA in Indiana as of June 1, 2022:
- Cheerios
- Cheerios, Multi-Grain
- Cinnamon Cherrios
- Reese’s Puffs Cereal
- Kix Cereal
- Honey Kix Cereal
- Fiber One Original
- Fiber One Honey Clusters
- Raisin Bran
- Honey Nut Cheerios
- Very Berry Cheerios
- Trix
- Cocoa Puffs
- Golden Grahams
- Fruity Cheerios
- Frosted Mini-Wheats
- Frosted Mini-Wheats, Little Bites
- Frosted Mini-Wheats, Caramel
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch
- French Toast Crunch
- Apple Jacks
- Chex, Original
- Chex, Honey
- Special K, Original
- Special K, Red Berries
- Special K, Chocolatey Strawberry
- Special K, Protein
- Nature’s Path Organic Flax Plus Raisin Bran Flakes
- Nature’s Path Organic Flax Plus Raisin Bran Flakes, Family Size
- Nature’s Path Organic Flax Plus Raisin Bran Flakes, Jumbo Size
- Post Great Grains, Cranberry Almond Crunch
- Post Great Grains, Raisins, Dates, & Walnuts
- Post Great Grains, Whole Wheat & Oats
- Post Great Grains, Peanut Butter
- Post Great Grains, Chocolate
- Post Great Grains, Blueberry
- Post Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Roasted
- Post Honey Bunches of Oats, Cinnamon Bun
- Post Honey Bunches of Oats, Strawberry
- Post Honey Bunches of Oats, Vanilla
- Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Cinnamon Delight
- Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Maple and Brown Sugar
- Quaker Oats, Old Fashioned
- Quaker Oats, Quick 1-Minute
- Kellogg’s All-Bran
- Kellogg’s All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes
- Kellogg’s All-Bran Extra Fiber
- Kellogg’s Cracklin’ Oat Bran
- Kellogg’s Fiber Plus, Banana Nut
- Kellogg’s Fiber Plus, Chocolate
- Kellogg’s Fiber Plus, Mixed Berry
- Kellogg’s Fiber Plus, Original
- Kellogg’s Fiber Plus, Strawberry
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats, Original
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats, Bite-Sized
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats, Blueberry
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats, Chocolate Chip
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats, Honey
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats, Strawberry
- Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, Original
- Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, Crunch
- Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, with Extra Fiber
When choosing a cereal, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The type of grain used. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran and germ, which reduces their nutritional value.
- The amount of sugar added. Sugary cereals can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
- The amount of fiber added. Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can help you feel full longer.
- The amount of protein added. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues.
- The presence of other nutrients. Some cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
By considering these factors, you can choose a cereal that is healthy and nutritious for you and your family.
Thanks for sticking with me, cereal lovers! I hope this breakdown of WIC-approved cereals has been helpful. Remember, WIC is a great resource for families in need, and healthy cereals are an important part of a balanced diet. If you have any questions or want to stay updated on the latest WIC news, be sure to visit me again soon. Until then, keep on munching and staying healthy!