Food and Feeding
WIC Foods
New WIC Foods: Better Food, Better Health
When WIC first began, the nutritional issues facing many Americans were different from what they are now. Today, we need less fat and more fiber, less refined grains and more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables and more variety in what we eat.
WIC has changed our allowed foods to address these needs and to improve the health outcomes of WIC families. The new foods are lower in fat, higher in fiber and more culturally appropriate. Our goal is to help families meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Healthy People 2010 Objectives, and follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for infant nutrition.
- Babies are meant to be breastfed
Breastfeeding, the key to the good health of mothers and babies, also significantly benefits families, employers, and society. For these reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed for the first full year of life. WIC supports family's infant feeding choices and provides extra foods and other benefits for breastfeeding women and their babies.
- Eat more vegetables and fruits, drink less juice and sweetened beverages
In addition to summer Farm to Family coupons, WIC now has a small monthly cash value benefit for purchasing vegetables and fruits. This benefit is provided through a debit-like WIC Fruit and Veggie Card that can be used at authorized grocers and is available year round.
- Lower Saturated Fat
To lower their intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, WIC children two years of age and older and women may choose either 1% or skim milk. Low fat cheese and tofu options are also available.
- Increase whole grains and fiber
WIC now has whole grain cereal choices, whole grain bread or brown rice, and canned beans. These are tasty and convenient ways to add whole grains and fiber to your meals.
