What Fruits Can You Buy With WIC

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

Canned Fruits Covered by WIC
FruitStyle
ApplesauceUnsweetened
Fruit cupsPacked in 100% fruit juice
PearsPacked in 100% fruit juice
PeachesPacked in 100% fruit juice
PineapplePacked 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.

Table 1: WIC Fruit Purchase Guidelines
FruitEligible FormsMaximum Amount (per month)
ApplesFresh, wholeUnlimited
BananasFresh, wholeUnlimited
CantaloupeFresh, cut or whole2 servings
GrapesFresh, whole1 serving
OrangesFresh, whole3 servings
PeachesFresh, whole1 serving
PearsFresh, whole1 serving
PlumsFresh, whole1 serving
StrawberriesFresh, whole1 serving
WatermelonFresh, cut or whole2 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.