The WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to meet the special nutritional needs of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk. WIC food packages and nutrition education are the chief means by which WIC affects the dietary quality and habits of participants.
A final rule revising the food packages was published on March 4, 2014. This rule completes implementation of the first comprehensive revisions to the WIC food packages since 1980.
The revisions are designed to improve the nutrition and health of the nation’s low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children by providing more healthy choices to meet their needs during critical periods of growth and development. The modifications in the final rule reflect the experiences of WIC state agencies in implementing the interim rule, while continuing to fulfill the intent of the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies that serve as the basis for the WIC food package changes. The final rule modifications include yogurt as a partial substitute for milk and more whole grain and fish options for women and children as well as additional fruits and vegetables for children.
Maximum monthly allowances of WIC supplemental foods in the new WIC food packages
Information for Food Manufacturers
Questions and Answers about the WIC Food Packages
Background: Revisions to the WIC Food Package
IOM Food Package Review 2014-2017
The phase I Evaluation of White Potatoes in the Cash Value Voucher: Letter Report, recommended allowing white potatoes for purchase with the cash value voucher. This second report presents the evidence, analyses, and framework that will be applied to develop the final report (phase II), which will include recommendations for potential modifications to WIC food packages.