The WIC program has specific criteria for the types of cereal that are approved for purchase. Eligible cereals must be whole grain, low in sugar, and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. They must also be low in sodium and fat. WIC-approved cereals include oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta. These cereals provide essential nutrients for pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age 5. WIC also offers nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy choices.
WIC-Approved Cereal Brands
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy food options to low-income families. Here are some of the cereal brands that are approved by WIC:
- Cheerios
- Kix
- Rice Krispies
- Wheat Chex
- Corn Chex
- Fiber One
- Post Shredded Wheat
- Puffins
- Raisin Bran
- Shredded Wheat
- Trix
- Total
- Wheaties
In addition, WIC may also approve specific types of cereals from the following brands:
- Cascades
- Cheerios
- Fiber One
- Gardetto’s
- General Mills
- Great Value
- Kellogg’s
- Kroger
- Malt-O-Meal
- Nabisco
- Nature’s Path
- Post
- Puffins
- Quaker Oats
- Raisin Bran
- Rice Krispies
- Shredded Wheat
- Trix
- Total
- Wheaties
Note that the specific cereals that are approved by WIC may vary by state and by individual WIC program. It is always best to check with your local WIC office to confirm which cereals are covered.
| # | Cereal | Calories | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cheerios | 110 | 2g |
| 2 | Kix | 110 | 3g |
| 3 | Rice Krispies | 110 | 3g |
| 4 | Wheat Chex | 110 | 2g |
| 5 | Corn Chex | 100 | 2g |
| 6 | Fiber One | 90 | 0g |
| 7 | Post Shredded Wheat | 100 | 0g |
| 8 | Puffins | 110 | 3g |
| 9 | Raisin Bran | 100 | 10g |
| 10 | Shredded Wheat | 100 | 0g |
Nutritional Requirements for WIC Cereals
To be approved for WIC, cereals must meet specific nutritional requirements set by the USDA. These requirements are designed to ensure that WIC participants have access to cereals that are rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D. The following are some of the key nutritional requirements for WIC cereals:
- Iron: WIC cereals must contain at least 4.5 mg of iron per serving.
- Calcium: WIC cereals must contain at least 100 mg of calcium per serving.
- Vitamin D: WIC cereals must contain at least 40 IU of vitamin D per serving.
- Whole grains: WIC cereals must be made from whole grains, which are a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
- Low in sugar: WIC cereals must contain less than 6 grams of added sugar per serving.
In addition to these nutritional requirements, WIC cereals must also be fortified with folic acid, a B vitamin that is important for preventing birth defects. WIC cereals that are fortified with other nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, are also available.
The following table lists some of the most popular WIC cereals and their nutritional content:
| Cereal | Iron (mg) | Calcium (mg) | Vitamin D (IU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios | 4.5 | 100 | 40 |
| Corn Chex | 4.5 | 100 | 40 |
| Rice Chex | 4.5 | 100 | 40 |
| Wheaties | 6.0 | 100 | 40 |
| Total | 6.0 | 100 | 40 |
Eligibility Guidelines for WIC Cereal Distribution
To qualify for WIC cereal benefits, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Children under 5 years old
- Meet income guidelines (varies by state)
- Nutritional risk (determined by a healthcare professional)
To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC office to schedule an appointment. The following documents are typically required for verification:
| Document Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Income | Pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns |
| Proof of Identity | Driver’s license, state ID card, or passport |
| Proof of Address | Utility bills, rent/mortgage statement, or lease agreement |
| Proof of Pregnancy/Breastfeeding | Doctor’s note or proof of birth |
Once approved, WIC recipients will receive a monthly WIC voucher that includes a specific allocation for cereal. The amount of cereal provided varies depending on the age and nutritional needs of the participant.
Finding Locally-Approved Cereal Distribution Centers
If you’re looking for a reliable source of cereal that meets your specific dietary needs, it’s important to find a distribution center that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA-approved distribution centers are subject to regular inspections to ensure that they meet the FDA’s strict food safety standards.
Locating FDA-Approved Cereal Distribution Centers
There are a number of ways to locate FDA-approved cereal distribution centers in your area. You can:
- Use the FDA’s online search tool to find a list of FDA-approved food facilities in your state.
- Contact your local health department to ask for a list of FDA-approved food facilities in your area.
- Look for the FDA’s “Shield of Approval” logo on cereal packaging. This logo indicates that the cereal has been produced by an FDA-approved facility.
Benefits of Using FDA-Approved Cereal Distribution Centers
There are a number of benefits to using FDA-approved cereal distribution centers, including:
- Food safety: FDA-approved distribution centers are subject to regular inspections to ensure that they meet the FDA’s strict food safety standards. This means that you can be confident that the cereal you purchase from an FDA-approved distribution center is safe to eat.
- Variety: FDA-approved cereal distribution centers typically carry a wide variety of cereal brands and flavors. This makes it easy to find a cereal that meets your specific dietary needs.
- Convenience: FDA-approved cereal distribution centers are often located in convenient locations, making it easy to purchase cereal when you need it.
Table of FDA-Approved Cereal Distribution Centers
The following table provides a list of FDA-approved cereal distribution centers in the United States:
| Distribution Center | Location | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Mills | Minneapolis, MN | (763) 764-4000 | www.generalmills.com |
| Kellogg’s | Battle Creek, MI | (269) 961-2000 | www.kelloggs.com |
| Post Holdings | St. Louis, MO | (314) 982-1000 | www.postcereals.com |
Alright folks, that wraps up our little tour of the WIC-approved cereal aisle. Whether you’re a single mom on a tight budget or just looking for some nutritious and affordable options, we hope this article has been a helpful guide. Don’t forget to check back in later, as we’ll be updating this list with all the latest and greatest cereals approved by the WIC program. Until then, happy cereal-eating and thanks for reading!