Fruits are an affordable, healthy, and versatile food option for families who use WIC benefits. You can buy a variety of fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits with WIC. Some of the most popular WIC-eligible fruits include apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pears, and. WIC also allows you to buy 100% fruit juice. When choosing fruits, look for options that are fresh, ripe, and in season. If you’re not sure what fruits are in season, you can check with your local WIC office or visit the USDA website.
Types of Fruits Covered by WIC
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides nutritional support to low-income families. As part of its program, WIC offers a variety of fruits that are both healthy and affordable. The specific types of fruits covered by WIC vary from state to state, but there are some general guidelines.
Fresh Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Pears
- Grapes
- Berries (including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- Melons
- Pineapples
Frozen Fruits
- Frozen berries
- Frozen peaches
- Frozen mangoes
- Frozen pineapple
- Frozen bananas
Canned Fruits
| Fruit | Style |
|---|---|
| Applesauce | Unsweetened |
| Fruit cups | Packed in 100% fruit juice |
| Pears | Packed in 100% fruit juice |
| Peaches | Packed in 100% fruit juice |
| Pineapple | Packed in 100% fruit juice |
Dried Fruits
- Raisins
- Apricots
- Dates
- Figs
Please note that this is just a general list of fruits covered by WIC. For more specific information about what fruits are available in your state, you can contact your local WIC office.
WIC Eligibility Requirements for Fruit Purchases
To be eligible for WIC fruit benefits, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Being a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman
- Having a child under the age of 5
- Meeting income guidelines
- Living in a WIC-approved state or county
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic. Once you are approved for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase eligible foods, including fruits.
| Fruit | Eligible Forms | Maximum Amount (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | Fresh, whole | Unlimited |
| Bananas | Fresh, whole | Unlimited |
| Cantaloupe | Fresh, cut or whole | 2 servings |
| Grapes | Fresh, whole | 1 serving |
| Oranges | Fresh, whole | 3 servings |
| Peaches | Fresh, whole | 1 serving |
| Pears | Fresh, whole | 1 serving |
| Plums | Fresh, whole | 1 serving |
| Strawberries | Fresh, whole | 1 serving |
| Watermelon | Fresh, cut or whole | 2 servings |
Note: WIC benefits vary from state to state. Please contact your local WIC clinic for more information about the fruits that are covered by WIC in your area.
## How to Use WIC Vouchers for Fruit
As an expert blogger, I’m here to help you understand how to use WIC vouchers to purchase fruits. WIC is a nutrition program that provides food vouchers to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age 5. Vouchers can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits.
### Types of Fruit Covered by WIC
WIC vouchers can be used to purchase a variety of fruits, including:
– Fresh fruits
– Frozen fruits
– Canned fruits
– Dried fruits
### Excluded Fruits
Whichever form the fruit comes in, the following types of fruit are excluded from WIC coverage:
– Fruit juices
– Fruit drinks
– Fruit snacks
– Fruit preserves
### How to Use WIC Vouchers for Fruit
To use WIC vouchers for fruit, you can follow these steps:
1. Find a store that accepts WIC vouchers.
2. Ask the cashier if they accept WIC vouchers for fruit.
3. Select the fruits you want to purchase.
4. Take your vouchers and the fruit to the checkout counter.
5. The cashier will scan your vouchers and deduct the amount of the vouchers from the total cost of the fruit.
6. You will pay the remaining balance (if any).
### Allowable Purchases per Month
The amount of fruit you can purchase with WIC vouchers varies depending on your family size and income. However, here are the general guidelines:
| Family Size | Number of Fruit Servings per Month |
|—|—|
| 1-2 people | 48 |
| 3-4 people | 72 |
| 5-6 people | 96 |
| 7-8 people | 120 |
| 9 or more people | 144 |
### Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for using WIC vouchers for fruit:
– Buy fruits that are in season. This will help you save money.
– Choose fruits that are fresh and ripe. Avoid fruits that are bruised or damaged.
– Wash fruits thoroughly before eating them.
– Store fruits in a cool, dry place. This will help them stay fresh longer.
## Maximizing Fruit Benefits with WIC
As part of the WIC program, expectant mothers, new parents, and children under five are entitled to a range of food benefits, including fruits and vegetables. These fruits provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing significantly to overall health and well-being.
### Choosing the Right Fruits
WIC offers a generous selection of fruits to choose from, including:
– Apples
– Bananas
– Blueberries
– Grapes
– Oranges
– Pears
– Strawberries
When selecting fruits, aim for a variety of colors and types to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients. Consider the following tips to maximize your fruit benefits:
– **Choose whole fruits over fruit juice:** Whole fruits contain more fiber and essential nutrients.
– **Opt for seasonal produce:** Seasonal fruits are typically fresher and more affordable.
– **Check for ripeness:** Ripe fruits are softer to the touch and have a sweeter taste. Avoid fruits with bruises or cuts.
### Table of WIC-Approved Fruits
| Fruit | Serving Size | Equivalent |
|—|—|—|
| Apples | 1 medium | 1 cup |
| Bananas | 1 medium | 1 cup |
| Blueberries | 1/2 cup | 1/2 cup |
| Grapes | 1 cup | 1 cup |
| Oranges | 1 medium | 1 cup |
| Pears | 1 medium | 1 cup |
| Strawberries | 1 cup | 1 cup |
Well, there you have it folks! Now you know what fruits you can buy with WIC. If you’re looking for a healthy and affordable way to feed your family, WIC is a great option. So what are you waiting for? Head to your local WIC office today and start saving on fresh fruits! Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful tips and information.