The WIC program, which stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, approves a variety of cheese products for WIC participants. Approved cheeses can be natural, processed, or reduced fat. Some examples of WIC-approved cheeses include cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and American cheese. WIC participants can use their WIC benefits to purchase these cheeses at authorized grocery stores and WIC-approved farmers markets. WIC-approved cheeses are a good source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients.
WIC Cheese Benefits
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides eligible participants with various nutritious foods, including cheese. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients that are crucial for the growth and development of children and the well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding women.
WIC-approved cheeses are typically low in fat and sodium and high in protein. They are also a good source of Vitamins A and D. Participants can choose from a variety of WIC-approved cheeses, including:
- cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- mozzarella cheese
- Swiss cheese
- reduced-fat American cheese
WIC recommends that participants consume 2-3 servings of dairy products per day. One serving of cheese is equivalent to 1 ounce.
Here’s a table summarizing the nutritional value of some popular WIC-approved cheeses:
Cheese Calories Fat (g) Protein (g) Calcium (mg) Cheddar 110 7 7 200 Monterey Jack 90 6 6 180 Mozzarella 85 5 5 210 Swiss 100 8 7 230 Reduced-fat American 70 3 5 150 WIC participants are encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers or registered dietitians for personalized nutrition advice and to determine the best cheese options for their individual needs.
Eligibility Requirements for WIC Cheese
To be eligible for WIC cheese, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman
- Be an infant or child under the age of 5
- Meet income eligibility guidelines
- Live in a state or county that participates in WIC
Income eligibility guidelines vary from state to state. To check your eligibility, contact your local WIC office.
If you are eligible for WIC, you will receive a monthly food package that includes cheese. The type of cheese you receive will depend on your age and nutritional needs.
Age Type of Cheese Infants (0-12 months) Formula or breast milk only Children (1-5 years) Whole milk cheddar cheese, pasteurized process cheese, or American cheese Pregnant and postpartum women Whole milk cheddar cheese, pasteurized process cheese, or American cheese Breastfeeding women Whole milk cheddar cheese, pasteurized process cheese, or American cheese Approved Cheese List for WIC
WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides financial assistance to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including cheese.
The following types of cheese are approved for WIC:
- Natural cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, and Parmesan
- Processed cheeses, such as American and Velveeta
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Ricotta cheese
WIC participants can purchase up to 24 ounces of cheese per month. Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. It can be eaten as a snack, added to meals, or used in recipes.
If you are a WIC participant, talk to your healthcare provider or WIC nutritionist about the best types of cheese to include in your diet.
Avoid Processed Cheese
While processed cheese is WIC-approved, it is not as healthy as natural cheese. Processed cheese contains more sodium and saturated fat than natural cheese. It also contains artificial ingredients, such as emulsifiers and stabilizers.
If you are looking for a healthy cheese option, choose natural cheese over processed cheese.
Limit Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, but it is also high in sodium. If you have high blood pressure, you should limit your intake of cottage cheese.
WIC participants can purchase up to 12 ounces of cottage cheese per month.
Choose Low-Fat Cheese
If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, choose low-fat cheese.
Low-fat cheese contains less than 5 grams of fat per serving.
Check the Ingredient List
When purchasing cheese, be sure to check the ingredient list.
Avoid cheeses that contain artificial ingredients, such as emulsifiers and stabilizers.
Cheese Type Servings Allowed Per Month Natural cheeses 24 ounces Processed cheeses 24 ounces Cottage cheese 12 ounces Cream cheese 8 ounces Ricotta cheese 8 ounces Nutritional Value of WIC Cheese
WIC-approved cheese is an excellent source of essential nutrients, including:
- Protein: Cheese is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
- Calcium: Cheese is rich in calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamin D: Some types of cheese, such as cheddar and Swiss, are fortified with vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.
- Phosphorus: Cheese is also a good source of phosphorus, which is important for bone health and energy production.
- Fat: Cheese contains both saturated and unsaturated fats. While saturated fat should be consumed in moderation, unsaturated fats can be beneficial for heart health.
Cheese Type Calories per 1-oz Serving Protein (g) Calcium (mg) Vitamin D (IU) Cheddar 110 7 200 0 Swiss 100 8 260 0 Mozzarella 85 6 180 0 Cottage Cheese 70 12 220 0 Thanks for stopping by and checking out this article on WIC-approved cheeses! I hope you found the information helpful. If you have any other questions about WIC or nutrition, feel free to browse our website or give us a call. We’re always happy to help! Be sure to check back later for more great articles on all things WIC-related.