WIC supports breastfeeding mothers by providing various forms of milk, including human milk, infant formula, and cow’s milk. Human milk is the best source of nutrition for infants and is covered by WIC for up to 12 months after birth. Infant formula is a substitute for human milk and is available to infants who are not breastfed or who need supplemental feedings. WIC provides specific brands and types of infant formula that meet nutritional requirements. Cow’s milk is typically introduced into a child’s diet after their first birthday. WIC covers cow’s milk for children between the ages of 1 and 2, providing an important source of calcium and other nutrients. The exact coverage and eligibility criteria for milk may vary depending on individual circumstances and WIC regulations in different areas.
Eligible Milk Options for WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Among the foods covered by WIC is milk, which is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients. WIC participants can choose from a variety of milk options to meet their individual needs.
Cow’s Milk
- Whole milk (3.25% fat)
- 2% reduced-fat milk
- 1% low-fat milk
- Skim milk (fat-free)
Soy Milk
- Unsweetened soy milk
- Calcium-fortified soy milk
Other Plant-Based Milks
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Unsweetened coconut milk
- Unsweetened cashew milk
Note: WIC does not cover flavored milks, such as chocolate milk or strawberry milk.
| Milk Type | Fat Content | Calcium Content (mg per 8 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 3.25% | 290 |
| 2% reduced-fat milk | 2% | 290 |
| 1% low-fat milk | 1% | 290 |
| Skim milk | 0% | 290 |
| Unsweetened soy milk | 0% | 300 |
| Calcium-fortified soy milk | 0% | 400 |
| Unsweetened almond milk | 0% | 110 |
| Unsweetened coconut milk | 0% | 120 |
| Unsweetened cashew milk | 0% | 150 |
WIC participants should talk to their healthcare provider or WIC nutritionist about which type of milk is best for them.
Milk Program Requirements
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the federal government’s primary food assistance program, which provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase most food items, including milk, which is an important source of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients.
- SNAP participants can purchase milk with their benefits at authorized retailers.
- SNAP does not have specific requirements for the type of milk that participants can purchase.
- Participants can purchase whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk, or flavored milk with their benefits.
In addition to SNAP, there are several other federal nutrition assistance programs that provide benefits for milk:
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides benefits for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.
- WIC provides benefits for milk, including whole milk, low-fat milk, and skim milk.
- WIC also provides benefits for cheese and yogurt.
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides benefits for fruits, vegetables, and milk to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.
- FMNP provides benefits for milk, including whole milk, low-fat milk, and skim milk.
- The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides benefits for fruits, vegetables, and milk to low-income seniors age 60 and older.
- SFMNP provides benefits for milk, including whole milk, low-fat milk, and skim milk.
| Program | Benefits |
|---|---|
| SNAP | Milk, cheese, yogurt |
| WIC | Milk, cheese, yogurt |
| FMNP | Milk |
| SFMNP | Milk |
Breastfeeding Support from WIC
WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) is a government program that provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk.
WIC provides breastfeeding support to help women initiate and maintain breastfeeding. This support includes:
- One-on-one breastfeeding counseling
- Group breastfeeding support
- Education on the benefits of breastfeeding
- Referrals to community breastfeeding support groups
- Access to breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies
WIC-Covered Milk Varieties
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional support for expectant mothers, new mothers, infants, and young children. Milk is an essential component of a healthy diet and WIC covers a range of milk products to ensure participants receive adequate calcium and other essential nutrients.
The specific milk products covered by WIC vary by state and may include:
- Whole cow’s milk (3.25% fat)
- Reduced-fat cow’s milk (2%)
- Low-fat cow’s milk (1%)
- Nonfat cow’s milk
- Lactose-free cow’s milk
- Soy milk (fortified)
- Goat’s milk (whole or low-fat)
The amount of milk covered by WIC also varies depending on age and family size. Generally, WIC participants receive:
- Children under 2 years old: Up to 24 fluid ounces of milk per day
- Children 2-4 years old: Up to 16 fluid ounces of milk per day
Additional Nutritional Support from WIC
In addition to milk, WIC provides participants with a range of other nutritious foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean protein
- Infant formula
- Baby food
WIC also offers nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy food choices for themselves and their families.
Summary Table of WIC-Covered Milk Products
| Age Group | Milk Type | Amount Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 2 years | Whole cow’s milk, 2% cow’s milk, 1% cow’s milk, nonfat cow’s milk, lactose-free cow’s milk, soy milk (fortified), goat’s milk (whole or low-fat) | Up to 24 fluid ounces per day |
| Children 2-4 years | Whole cow’s milk, 2% cow’s milk, 1% cow’s milk, nonfat cow’s milk, lactose-free cow’s milk, soy milk (fortified), goat’s milk (whole or low-fat) | Up to 16 fluid ounces per day |
Well folks, that about wraps up our milk marathon! I hope you’ve found the information you need to navigate the WIC dairy aisle like a pro. Remember, WIC has got your back when it comes to keeping your little ones healthy and well-fed. And if you’ve got any more burning questions, don’t hesitate to give them a shout. Thanks for joining me on this milky journey. Be sure to drop by again if you ever need a refresher or want the scoop on other WIC goodies! Take care and keep those tummies happy!