Table 1-Full Nutrition Benefit (FNB) and Maximum Monthly Allowances (MMA) of Supplemental Foods for Infants in Food Packages I, II and III
Foods1 | Fully formula fed (FF) | Partially (mostly) breastfed (BF/FF) | Fully breastfed (BF) | |||
Food Packages I-FF & III-FF A: 0 through 3 months B: 4 through 5 months | Food Packages II-FF & III-FF 6 through 11 months | Food Packages I-BF/FF & III BF/FF (A: 0 to 1 month2 3) B: 1 through 3 months C: 4 through 5 months | Food Packages II-BF/FF & III BF/FF 6 through 11 months | Food Package I-BF 0 through 5 months | Food Package II-BF 6 through 11 months | |
WIC Formula4 5 6 7 8 | A: FNB = 806 fl oz, MMA = 823 fl oz, reconstituted liquid concentrate or 832 fl. oz. RTF or 870 fl oz reconstituted powder | FNB = 624 fl oz, MMA = 630 fl oz, reconstituted liquid concentrate or 643 fl. oz RTF or 696 fl oz reconstituted powder | A: 104 fl oz reconstituted powder B: FNB = 364 fl oz, MMA = 388 fl oz, reconstituted liquid concentrate or 384 fl oz RTF or 435 fl oz reconstituted powder | FNB = 312 fl oz, MMA = 315 fl oz, reconstituted liquid concentrate or 338 fl oz RTF or 384 fl oz reconstituted powder | ||
B: FNB = 884 fl oz, MMA = 896 fl oz, reconstituted liquid concentrate or 913 fl oz RTF or 960 fl oz reconstituted powder | ||||||
C: FNB = 442 fl oz, MMA = 460 fl oz, reconstituted liquid concentrate or 474 fl oz RTF or 522 fl oz reconstituted powder | ||||||
Infant Cereal9 11 | 24 oz | 24 oz | 24 oz. | |||
Infant food fruits and vegetables9 10 11 12 13 | 128 oz | 128 oz | 256 oz. | |||
Infant food meat9 | 77.5 oz. |
Table 1 footnotes: (Abbreviations in order of appearance in table): FF = fully formula fed; BF/FF = partially (mostly) breastfed; BF = fully breastfed; RTF = Ready-to-feed; N/A = the supplemental food is not authorized in the corresponding food package.
1 Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section describes the minimum requirements and specifications for the supplemental foods. The competent professional authority (CPA) is authorized to determine nutritional risk and prescribe supplemental foods as established by State agency policy in Food Packages I and II. In Food Package III, the CPA, as established by State agency policy, is authorized to determine nutritional risk and prescribe supplemental foods per medical documentation.
2 State agencies have the option to issue not more than one can of powder infant formula in the container size that provides closest to 104 reconstituted fluid ounces to breastfed infants on a case-by-case basis.
3 Liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed (RTF) may be substituted at rates that provide comparable nutritive value.
4 WIC formula means infant formula, exempt infant formula, or WIC-eligible nutritionals. Infant formula may be issued for infants in Food Packages I, II and III. Medical documentation is required for issuance of infant formula, exempt infant formula, WIC-eligible nutritionals, and other supplemental foods in Food Package III. Only infant formula may be issued for infants in Food Packages I and II.
5 The full nutrition benefit is defined as the minimum amount of reconstituted fluid ounces of liquid concentrate infant formula as specified for each infant food package category and feeding variation (e.g., Food Package IA-fully formula fed).
6 The maximum monthly allowance is specified in reconstituted fluid ounces for liquid concentrate, RTF liquid, and powder forms of infant formula and exempt infant formula. Reconstituted fluid ounce is the form prepared for consumption as directed on the container.
7 State agencies must provide at least the full nutrition benefit authorized to non-breastfed infants up to the maximum monthly allowance for the physical form of the product specified for each food package category. State agencies must issue whole containers that are all the same size of the same physical form. Infant formula amounts for breastfed infants, even those in the fully formula fed category should be individually tailored to the amounts that meet their nutritional needs.
8 State agencies may round up and disperse whole containers of infant formula over the food package timeframe to allow participants to receive the full nutrition benefit. State agencies must use the methodology described in accordance with paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
9 State agencies may round up and disperse whole containers of infant foods (infant cereal, fruits and vegetables, and meat) over the Food Package timeframe. State agencies must use the methodology described in accordance with paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
10 At State agency option, for infants 6-12 months of age, fresh banana may replace up to 16 ounces of infant food fruit at a rate of 1 pound of bananas per 8 ounces of infant food fruit. State agencies may also substitute fresh bananas at a rate of 1 banana per 4 ounces of jarred infant food fruit, up to a maximum of 16 ounces.
11 In lieu of infant foods (cereal, fruit and vegetables), infants greater than 6 months of age in Food Package III may receive infant formula, exempt infant formula or WIC-eligible nutritionals at the same maximum monthly allowance as infants ages 4 through 5 months of age of the same feeding option.
12 At State agency option, infants 9 months through 11 months in Food Packages II and III may receive a cash-value voucher to purchase fresh (only) fruits and vegetables in lieu of a portion of the infant food fruits and vegetables. Partially (mostly) breastfed infants and fully formula fed infants may receive a $4 cash-value voucher plus 64 ounces of infant food fruits and vegetables; fully breastfeeding infants may receive a $8 cash-value voucher plus 128 ounces of infant food fruit and vegetables.
13 State agencies may not categorically issue cash-value vouchers for infants 9 months through 11 months. The cash-value voucher is to be provided to the participant only after an individual nutrition assessment, as established by State agency policy, and is optional for the participant, i.e., the mother may choose to receive either the maximum allowance of jarred foods or a combination of jarred foods and a fruit and vegetable cash-value voucher for her infant. State agencies must ensure that appropriate nutrition education is provided to the caregiver addressing safe food preparation, storage techniques, and feeding practices to make certain participants are meeting their nutritional needs in a safe and effective manner.
Table 2-Maximum Monthly Allowances of Supplemental Foods for Children and Women in Food Packages IV, V, VI and VII
Foods1 | Children | Women | ||
Food Package IV: 1 through 4 years | Food Package V: Pregnant and Partially (Mostly) Breastfeeding (up to 1 year postpartum)2 | Food Package VI: Postpartum (up to 6 months postpartum)3 | Food Package VII: Fully Breastfeeding (up to 1 year post-partum)4 5 | |
Juice, single strength6 | 128 fl oz | 144 fl oz | 96 fl oz | 144 fl oz. |
Milk, fluid | 16 qt7 8 9 10 11 | 22 qt7 8 9 10 12 | 16 qt7 8 9 10 12 | 24 qt7 8 9 10 12. |
Breakfast cereal13 | 36 oz | 36 oz | 36 oz | 36 oz. |
Cheese | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 lb. |
Eggs | 1 dozen | 1 dozen | 1 dozen | 2 dozen. |
Fresh fruits and vegetables14 15 | $8.00 in cash-value vouchers | $10.00 in cash-value vouchers | $10.00 in cash-value vouchers | $10.00 in cash-value vouchers. |
Whole wheat or whole grain bread16 | 2 lb | 1 lb | N/A | 1 lb. |
Fish (canned) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 oz. |
Legumes, dry17and/or Peanut butter | 1 lb or 18 oz | 1 lb and 18 oz | 1 lb or 18 oz | 1 lb and 18 oz. |
Table 2 Footnotes: N/A = the supplemental food is not authorized in the corresponding food package.
1 Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section describes the minimum requirements and specifications for the supplemental foods. The competent professional authority (CPA) is authorized to determine nutritional risk and prescribe supplemental foods as established by State agency policy.
2 Food Package V is issued to two categories of WIC participants: Women participants with singleton pregnancies; breastfeeding women whose partially (mostly) breastfed infants receive formula from the WIC Program in amounts that do not exceed the maximum formula allowances, as appropriate for the age of the infant as described in Table 1 of paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
3 Food Package VI is issued to two categories of WIC participants: Non-breastfeeding postpartum women and breastfeeding postpartum women whose infants receive more than the maximum infant formula allowances, as appropriate for the age of the infant as described in Table 1 of paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
4 Food Package VII is issued to four categories of WIC participants: Fully breastfeeding women whose infants do not receive formula from the WIC Program; women pregnant with two or more fetuses; women partially (mostly) breastfeeding multiple infants from the same pregnancy; and pregnant women who are also fully or partially (mostly) breastfeeding singleton infants.
5 Women fully breastfeeding multiple infants from the same pregnancy are prescribed 1.5 times the maximum allowances.
6 Combinations of single-strength and concentrated juices may be issued provided that the total volume does not exceed the maximum monthly allowance for single-strength juice.
7 Whole milk is the standard milk for issuance to 1-year-old children (12 through 23 months). At State agency option, fat-reduced milks may be issued to 1-year-old children for whom overweight or obesity is a concern. The need for fat-reduced milks for 1-year-old children must be based on an individual nutritional assessment and consultation with the child's health care provider if necessary, as established by State agency policy. Lowfat (1%) or nonfat milks are the standard milk for issuance to children [GREATER THAN EQUAL TO]24 months of age and women. Reduced fat (2%) milk is authorized only for participants with certain conditions, including but not limited to, underweight and maternal weight loss during pregnancy. The need for reduced fat (2%) milk for children [GREATER THAN EQUAL TO]24 months of age (Food Package IV) and women (Food Packages V-VII) must be based on an individual nutritional assessment as established by State agency policy.
8 Evaporated milk may be substituted at the rate of 16 fluid ounces of evaporated milk per 32 fluid ounces of fluid milk or a 1:2 fluid ounce substitution ratio. Dry milk may be substituted at an equal reconstituted rate to fluid milk.
9 For children and women, cheese may be substituted for milk at the rate of 1 pound of cheese per 3 quarts of milk. For children and women in Food Packages IV-VI, no more than 1 pound of cheese may be substituted. For fully breastfeeding women in Food Package VII, no more than 2 pounds of cheese may be substituted for milk. State agencies do not have the option to issue additional amounts of cheese beyond these maximums even with medical documentation. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for children and women in Food Packages IV-VI. No more than a total of 6 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in Food Package VII.)
10 For children and women, yogurt may be substituted for fluid milk at the rate of 1 quart of yogurt per 1 quart of milk; a maximum of 1 quart of milk can be substituted. Additional amounts of yogurt are not authorized. Whole yogurt is the standard yogurt for issuance to 1-year-old children (12 through 23 months). At State agency option, lowfat or nonfat yogurt may be issued to 1-year-old children for whom overweight and obesity is a concern. The need for lowfat or nonfat yogurt for 1-year-old children must be based on an individual nutritional assessment and consultation with the child's health care provider if necessary, as established by State agency policy. Lowfat or nonfat yogurts are the only types of yogurt authorized for children [GREATER THAN EQUAL TO]24 months of age and women. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for children and women in Food Packages IV-VI. No more than a total of 6 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in Food Package VII.)
11 For children, issuance of tofu and soy-based beverage as substitutes for milk must be based on an individual nutritional assessment and consultation with the participant's health care provider if necessary, as established by State agency policy. Such determination can be made for situations that include, but are not limited to, milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and vegan diets. Soy-based beverage may be substituted for milk for children on a quart for quart basis up to the total maximum allowance of milk. Tofu may be substituted for milk for children at the rate of 1 pound of tofu per 1 quart of milk. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for children in Food Package IV.) Additional amounts of tofu may be substituted, up to the maximum allowance for fluid milk for lactose intolerance or other reasons, as established by State agency policy.
12 For women, soy-based beverage may be substituted for milk on a quart for quart basis up to the total maximum allowance of milk. Tofu may be substituted for milk at the rate of 1 pound of tofu per 1 quart of milk. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in Food Packages V and VI. No more than a total of 6 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in Food Package VII.). Additional amounts of tofu may be substituted, up to the maximum allowances for fluid milk, for lactose intolerance or other reasons, as established by State agency policy.
13 At least one-half of the total number of breakfast cereals on the State agency's authorized food list must have whole grain as the primary ingredient and meet labeling requirements for making a health claim as a "whole grain food with moderate fat content" as defined in Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section.
14 Both fresh fruits and fresh vegetables must be authorized by State agencies. Processed fruits and vegetables, i.e., canned (shelf-stable), frozen, and/or dried fruits and vegetables may also be authorized to offer a wider variety and choice for participants. State agencies may choose to authorize one or more of the following processed fruits and vegetables: canned fruit, canned vegetables, frozen fruit, frozen vegetables, dried fruit, and/or dried vegetables. The cash-value voucher may be redeemed for any eligible fruit and vegetable (refer to Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section and its footnotes). Except as authorized in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, State agencies may not selectively choose which fruits and vegetables are available to participants. For example, if a State agency chooses to offer dried fruits, it must authorize all WIC-eligible dried fruits.
15 The monthly value of the fruit/vegetable cash-value vouchers will be adjusted annually for inflation as described in § 246.16(j) .
16 Whole wheat and/or whole grain bread must be authorized. State agencies have the option to also authorize brown rice, bulgur, oatmeal, whole-grain barley, whole wheat macaroni products, or soft corn or whole wheat tortillas on an equal weight basis.
17 Canned legumes may be substituted for dry legumes at the rate of 64 oz. (e.g., four 16-oz cans) of canned beans for 1 pound dry beans. In Food Packages V and VII, both beans and peanut butter must be provided. However, when individually tailoring Food Packages V or VII for nutritional reasons (e.g., food allergy, underweight, participant preference), State agencies have the option to authorize the following substitutions: 1 pound dry and 64 oz. canned beans/peas (and no peanut butter); or 2 pounds dry or 128 oz. canned beans/peas (and no peanut butter); or 36 oz. peanut butter (and no beans).
Table 3-Maximum Monthly Allowances (MMA) of Supplemental Foods for Children and Women With Qualifying Conditions in Food Package III
Foods1 | Children | Women | ||
1 through 4 years | Pregnant and partially breastfeeding (up to 1 year postpartum)2 | Postpartum (up to 6 months postpartum)3 | Fully breastfeeding, (up to 1 year post-partum)45 | |
Juice, single strength6 | 128 fl oz | 144 fl oz | 96 fl oz | 144 fl oz. |
WIC Formula78 | 455 fl oz liquid concentrate | 455 fl oz liquid concentrate | 455 fl oz liquid concentrate | 455 fl oz liquid concentrate. |
Milk | 16 qt910111213 | 22 qt910111214 | 16 qt910111214 | 24 qt910111214. |
Breakfast cereal1516 | 36 oz | 36 oz | 36 oz | 36 oz. |
Cheese | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 lb. |
Eggs | 1 dozen | 1 dozen | 1 dozen | 2 dozen. |
Fruits and vegetables171819 | $8.00 in cash-value vouchers | $10.00 in cash-value vouchers | $10.00 in cash-value vouchers | $10.00 in cash-value vouchers. |
Whole wheat or whole grain bread20 | 2 lb | 1 lb | N/A | 1 lb. |
Fish (canned) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 oz. |
Legumes, dry21and/or Peanut butter | 1 lb or 18 oz | 1 lb and 18 oz | 1 lb or 18 oz | 1 lb and 18 oz. |
Table 3 Footnotes: N/A = the supplemental food is not authorized in the corresponding food package.
1 Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section describes the minimum requirements and specifications for the supplemental foods. The competent professional authority (CPA), as established by State agency policy, is authorized to determine nutritional risk and prescribe supplemental foods per medical documentation.
2 This food package is issued to two categories of WIC participants: Women participants with singleton pregnancies and breastfeeding women whose partially (mostly) breastfed infants receive formula from the WIC Program in amounts that do not exceed the maximum formula allowances as appropriate for the age of the infant as described in Table 1 of paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
3 This food package is issued to two categories of WIC participants: Non-breastfeeding postpartum women and breastfeeding postpartum women whose breastfed infants receive more than the maximum infant formula allowances as appropriate for the age of the infant as described in Table 1 of paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
4 This food package is issued to four categories of WIC participants: Fully breastfeeding women whose infants do not receive formula from the WIC Program; women pregnant with two or more fetuses; women partially (mostly) breastfeeding multiple infants from the same pregnancy, and pregnant women who are also partially (mostly) breastfeeding singleton infants.
5 Women fully breastfeeding multiple infants from the same pregnancy are prescribed 1.5 times the maximum allowances.
6 Combinations of single-strength and concentrated juices may be issued provided that the total volume does not exceed the maximum monthly allowance for single-strength juice.
7 WIC formula means infant formula, exempt infant formula, or WIC-eligible nutritionals.
8 Powder and ready-to-feed may be substituted at rates that provide comparable nutritive value.
9 Whole milk is the standard milk for issuance to 1-year-old children (12 through 23 months). Fat-reduced milks may be issued to 1-year old children as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation. Lowfat (1%) or nonfat milks are the standard milks for issuance for children [GREATER THAN EQUAL TO]24 months of age and women. Whole milk or reduced fat (2%) milk may be substituted for lowfat (1%) or nonfat milk for children [GREATER THAN EQUAL TO]24 months of age and women as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation.
10 Evaporated milk may be substituted at the rate of 16 fluid ounces of evaporated milk per 32 fluid ounces of fluid milk or a 1:2 fluid ounce substitution ratio. Dry milk may be substituted at an equal reconstituted rate to fluid milk.
11 For children and women, cheese may be substituted for milk at the rate of 1 pound of cheese per 3 quarts of milk. For children and women in the pregnant, partially breastfeeding and postpartum food packages, no more than 1 pound of cheese may be substituted. For women in the fully breastfeeding food package, no more than 2 pounds of cheese may be substituted for milk. State agencies do not have the option to issue additional amounts of cheese beyond these maximums even with medical documentation. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for children and women in the pregnant, partially breastfeeding and postpartum food packages. No more than a total of 6 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in the fully breastfeeding food package.)
12 For children and women, yogurt may be substituted for fluid milk at the rate of 1 quart of yogurt per 1 quart of milk; a maximum of 1 quart of milk can be substituted. Additional amounts of yogurt are not authorized. Whole yogurt is the standard yogurt for issuance to 1-year-old children (12 through 23 months). Lowfat or nonfat yogurt may be issued to 1-year-old children (12 months to 23 months) as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation. Lowfat or nonfat yogurts are the standard yogurt for issuance to children [GREATER THAN EQUAL TO]24 months of age and women. Whole yogurt may be substituted for lowfat or nonfat yogurt for children [GREATER THAN EQUAL TO]24 months of age and women as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for children and women in the pregnant, partially breastfeeding and postpartum food packages. No more than a total of 6 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in the fully breastfeeding food package.)
13 For children, soy-based beverage and tofu may be substituted for milk as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation. Soy-based beverage may be substituted for milk on a quart for quart basis up to the total maximum allowance of milk. Tofu may be substituted for milk for children at the rate of 1 pound of tofu per 1 quart of milk. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for children.) Additional amounts of tofu may be substituted, up to the maximum allowance for fluid milk for children, as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation.
14 For women, soy-based beverage may be substituted for milk on a quart for quart basis up to the total maximum monthly allowance of milk. Tofu may be substituted for milk at the rate of 1 pound of tofu per 1 quart of milk. (No more than a total of 4 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in the pregnant, partially breastfeeding and postpartum food packages. No more than a total of 6 quarts of milk may be substituted for a combination of cheese, yogurt or tofu for women in the fully breastfeeding food package.) Additional amounts of tofu may be substituted, up to the maximum allowances for fluid milk, as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation.
15 32 dry ounces of infant cereal may be substituted for 36 ounces of breakfast cereal as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation.
16 At least one half of the total number of breakfast cereals on the State agency's authorized food list must have whole grain as the primary ingredient and meet labeling requirements for making a health claim as a "whole grain food with moderate fat content" as defined in Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section.
17 Both fresh fruits and fresh vegetables must be authorized by State agencies. Processed fruits and vegetables, i.e., canned (shelf-stable), frozen, and/or dried fruits and vegetables may also be authorized to offer a wider variety and choice for participants. State agencies may choose to authorize one or more of the following processed fruits and vegetables: canned fruit, canned vegetables, frozen fruit, frozen vegetables, dried fruit, and/or dried vegetables. The cash-value voucher may be redeemed for any eligible fruit and vegetable (refer to Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section and its footnotes). Except as authorized in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, State agencies may not selectively choose which fruits and vegetables are available to participants. For example, if a State agency chooses to offer dried fruits, it must authorize all WIC-eligible dried fruits.
18 Children and women whose special dietary needs require the use of pureed foods may receive commercial jarred infant food fruits and vegetables in lieu of the cash-value voucher. Children may receive 128 oz of commercial jarred infant food fruits and vegetables and women may receive 160 oz of commercial jarred infant food fruits and vegetables in lieu of the cash-value voucher. Infant food fruits and vegetables may be substituted for the cash-value voucher as determined appropriate by the health care provider per medical documentation.
19 The monthly value of the fruit/vegetable cash-value vouchers will be adjusted annually for inflation as described in § 246.16(j) .
20 Whole wheat and/or whole grain bread must be authorized. State agencies have the option to also authorize brown rice, bulgur, oatmeal, whole-grain barley, whole wheat macaroni products, or soft corn or whole wheat tortillas on an equal weight basis.
21 Canned legumes may be substituted for dry legumes at the rate of 64 oz. (e.g., four 16-oz cans) of canned beans for 1 pound dry beans. In Food Packages V and VII, both beans and peanut butter must be provided. However, when individually tailoring Food Packages V or VII for nutritional reasons (e.g., food allergy, underweight, participant preference), State agencies have the option to authorize the following substitutions: 1 pound dry and 64 oz. canned beans/peas (and no peanut butter); or 2 pounds dry or 128 oz. canned beans/peas (and no peanut butter); or 36 oz. peanut butter (and no beans).
Table 4-Minimum Requirements and Specifications for Supplemental Foods
Categories/foods | Minimum requirements and specifications |
WIC FORMULA: | |
Infant formula | All authorized infant formulas must: (1) Meet the definition for an infant formula in section 201(z) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(z) ) and meet the requirements for an infant formula under section 412 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (21 U.S.C. 350a ) and the regulations at 21 CFR parts 106 and 107 ; (2) Be designed for enteral digestion via an oral or tube feeding; (3) Provide at least 10 mg iron per liter (at least 1.5 mg iron/100 kilocalories) at standard dilution; (4) Provide at least 67 kilocalories per 100 milliliters (approximately 20 kilocalories per fluid ounce) at standard dilution. (5) Not require the addition of any ingredients other than water prior to being served in a liquid state. |
Exempt infant formula | All authorized exempt infant formula must: (1) Meet the definition and requirements for an exempt infant formula under section 412(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended (21 U.S.C. 350a(h) ) and the regulations at 21 CFR parts 106 and 107 ; and (2) Be designed for enteral digestion via an oral or tube feeding. |
WIC-eligible nutritionals.1 | Certain enteral products that are specifically formulated to provide nutritional support for individuals with a qualifying condition, when the use of conventional foods is precluded, restricted, or inadequate. Such WIC-eligible nutritionals must serve the purpose of a food, meal or diet (may be nutritionally complete or incomplete) and provide a source of calories and one or more nutrients; be designed for enteral digestion via an oral or tube feeding; and may not be a conventional food, drug, flavoring, or enzyme. |
MILK AND MILK ALTERNATIVES: | |
Cow's milk2 | Must conform to FDA standard of identity for whole, reduced fat, lowfat, or nonfat milks (21 CFR 131.110 ) . Must be pasteurized. May be flavored or unflavored. May be fluid, shelf-stable, evaporated (21 CFR 131.130 ), or dry. Dry whole milk must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR 131.147 ) . Nonfat dry milk must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR 131.127 ) . Cultured milks must conform to FDA standard of identity for cultured milk, e.g. cultured buttermilk, kefir cultured milk, acidophilus cultured milk (21 CFR 131.112 ) . Acidified milk must conform to FDA standard of identity for acidified milk, e.g., acidified kefir milk, acidified acidophilus milk or acidified buttermilk (21 CFR 131.111 ) . All reduced fat, lowfat, and nonfat cow's milk types and varieties must contain at least 400 IU of vitamin D per quart (100 IU per cup) and 2000 IU of vitamin A per quart (500 IU per cup). |
Goat's milk | Must be pasteurized. May be flavored or unflavored. May be fluid, shelf-stable, evaporated or dry (i.e., powdered). All reduced fat, lowfat, and nonfat goat's milk must contain at least 400 IU of vitamin D per quart (100 IU per cup) and 2000 IU of vitamin A per quart (500 IU per cup). |
Cheese | Domestic cheese made from 100 percent pasteurized milk. Must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR part 133 ) ; Monterey Jack, Colby, natural Cheddar, Swiss, Brick, Muenster, Provolone, part-skim or whole Mozzarella, pasteurized process American, or blends of any of these cheeses are authorized. Cheeses that are labeled low, free, reduced, less or light in sodium, fat or cholesterol are WIC eligible. |
Yogurt (cow's milk) | Yogurt must be pasteurized and conform to FDA standard of identity for whole fat (21 CFR 131.200 ), lowfat (21 CFR 131.203 ), or nonfat (21 CFR 131.206 ) ; plain or flavored with [LESS THAN EQUAL TO]40 g of total sugars per 1 cup yogurt. Yogurts that are fortified with vitamin A and D and other nutrients may be allowed at the State agency's option. Yogurts sold with accompanying mix-in ingredients such as granola, candy pieces, honey, nuts and similar ingredients are not authorized. Drinkable yogurts are not authorized. |
Tofu | Calcium-set tofu prepared with calcium salts (e.g., calcium sulfate). May not contain added fats, sugars, oils, or sodium. Tofu must be calcium-set, i.e., contain calcium salts, but may also contain other coagulants, i.e., magnesium chloride. |
Soy-based beverage | Must be fortified to meet the following nutrient levels: 276 mg calcium per cup, 8 g protein per cup, 500 IU vitamin A per cup, 100 IU vitamin D per cup, 24 mg magnesium per cup, 222 mg phosphorus per cup, 349 mg potassium per cup, 0.44 mg riboflavin per cup, and 1.1 mcg vitamin B12 per cup, in accordance with fortification guidelines issued by FDA. May be flavored or unflavored. |
JUICE | Must be pasteurized 100% unsweetened fruit juice. Must contain at least 30 mg of vitamin C per 100 mL of juice. Must conform to FDA standard of identity as appropriate ( 21 CFR part 146 ) or vegetable juice must conform to FDA standard of identity as appropriate ( 21 CFR part 156 ). With the exception of 100% citrus juices, State agencies must verify the vitamin C content of all State-approved juices. Juices that are fortified with other nutrients may be allowed at the State agency's option. Juice may be fresh, from concentrate, frozen, canned, or shelf-stable. Blends of authorized juices are allowed. Vegetable juice may be regular or lower in sodium. |
EGGS | Fresh shell domestic hens' eggs or dried eggs mix (must conform to FDA standard of identity in 21 CFR 160.105 ) or pasteurized liquid whole eggs (must conform to FDA standard of identity in 21 CFR 160.115 ) . Hard boiled eggs, where readily available for purchase in small quantities, may be provided for homeless participants. |
BREAKFAST CEREAL (READY-TO-EAT AND INSTANT AND REGULAR HOT CEREALS) | Must contain a minimum of 28 mg iron per 100 g dry cereal. Must contain [LESS THAN EQUAL TO]21.2 g sucrose and other sugars per 100 g dry cereal ([LESS THAN EQUAL TO]6 g per dry oz). At least half of the cereals authorized on a State agency's food list must have whole grain as the primary ingredient by weight AND meet labeling requirements for making a health claim as a "whole grain food with moderate fat content".3 |
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (FRESH AND PROCESSED)4 5 6 8 9 | Any variety of fresh (as defined by 21 CFR 101.95 ) whole or cut fruit without added sugars. Any variety of fresh (as defined by 21 CFR 101.95 ) whole or cut vegetable, except white potatoes, without added sugars, fats, or oils (orange yams and sweet potatoes are allowed). Any variety of canned fruits (must conform to FDA standard of identity as appropriate ( 21 CFR part 145 )); including applesauce, juice pack or water pack without added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium). The fruit must be listed as the first ingredient. Any variety of frozen fruits without added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium). Any variety of canned or frozen vegetables, except white potatoes (orange yams and sweet potatoes are allowed); without added sugars, fats, or oils. Vegetable must be listed as the first ingredient. May be regular or lower in sodium. Must conform to FDA standard of identity as appropriate ( 21 CFR part 155 ). |
Any type of dried fruits or dried vegetable, except white potatoes (orange yams and sweet potatoes are allowed); without added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium). Any type of immature beans, peas, or lentils, fresh or in canned5 forms. Any type of frozen beans (immature or mature). Beans purchased with the CVV may contain added vegetables and fruits, but may not contain added sugars, fats, oils, or meat as purchased. Canned beans, peas, or lentils may be regular or lower in sodium content. State agencies must allow organic forms of WIC-eligible fruits and vegetables. | |
WHOLE WHEAT BREAD, WHOLE GRAIN BREAD, AND WHOLE GRAIN OPTIONS: | |
Bread | Whole wheat bread must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR 136.180 ) . (Includes whole wheat buns and rolls.) "Whole wheat flour" and/or "bromated whole wheat flour" must be the only flours listed in the ingredient list. |
OR Whole grain bread must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR 136.110 ) (includes whole grain buns and rolls). AND Whole grain must be the primary ingredient by weight in all whole grain bread products. AND Must meet FDA labeling requirements for making a health claim as a "whole grain food with moderate fat content".3 | |
Whole Grain Options | Brown rice, bulgur, oats, and whole-grain barley without added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium). May be instant-, quick-, or regular-cooking. Soft corn or whole wheat tortillas. Soft corn tortillas made from ground masa flour (corn flour) using traditional processing methods are WIC-eligible, e.g., whole corn, corn (masa), whole ground corn, corn masa flour, masa harina, and white corn flour. For whole wheat tortillas, "whole wheat flour" must be the only flour listed in the ingredient list. Whole wheat macaroni products. Must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR 139.138 ) and have no added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium). "Whole wheat flour" and/or "whole durum wheat flour" must be the only flours listed in the ingredient list. Other shapes and sizes that otherwise meet the FDA standard of identity for whole wheat macaroni (pasta) products (139.138), and have no added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium), are also authorized (e.g., whole wheat rotini, and whole wheat penne). |
FISH (CANNED)5 | Canned only: Light tuna (must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR 161.190 ) ); Salmon (Pacific salmon must conform to FDA standard of identity (21 CFR 161.170 ) ); Sardines; and Mackerel (N. Atlantic Scomber scombrus; Chub Pacific Scomber japonicas; Jack Mackerel10 May be packed in water or oil. Pack may include bones or skin. Added sauces and flavorings, e.g., tomato sauce, mustard, lemon, are authorized at the State agency's option. May be regular or lower in sodium content. |
MATURE LEGUMES (DRY BEANS AND PEAS)7 | Any type of mature dry beans, peas, or lentils in dry-packaged or canned5 forms. Examples include but are not limited to black beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, white beans (navy and pea beans), kidney beans, mature lima ("butter beans"), fava and mung beans, pinto beans, soybeans/edamame, split peas, lentils, and refried beans. All categories exclude soups. May not contain added sugars, fats, oils, vegetables, fruits or meat as purchased. Canned legumes may be regular or lower in sodium content.11 Baked beans may only be provided for participants with limited cooking facilities.11 |
PEANUT BUTTER | Peanut butter and reduced fat peanut butter (must conform to FDA Standard of Identity (21 CFR 164.150 ) ); creamy or chunky, regular or reduced fat, salted or unsalted forms are allowed. Peanut butters with added marshmallows, honey, jelly, chocolate or similar ingredients are not authorized. |
INFANT FOODS: | |
Infant Cereal | Infant cereal must contain a minimum of 45 mg of iron per 100 g of dry cereal.12 |
Infant Fruits | Any variety of single ingredient commercial infant food fruit without added sugars, starches, or salt (i.e., sodium). Texture may range from strained through diced. The fruit must be listed as the first ingredient.13 |
Infant Vegetables | Any variety of single ingredient commercial infant food vegetables without added sugars, starches, or salt (i.e., sodium). Texture may range from strained through diced. The vegetable must be listed as the first ingredient.14 |
Infant Meat | Any variety of commercial infant food meat or poultry, as a single major ingredient, with added broth or gravy. Added sugars or salt (i.e. sodium) are not allowed. Texture may range from pureed through diced.15 |
Table 4 Footnotes: FDA = Food and Drug Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
1 The following are not considered a WIC-eligible nutritional: Formulas used solely for the purpose of enhancing nutrient intake, managing body weight, addressing picky eaters or used for a condition other than a qualifying condition (e.g., vitamin pills, weight control products, etc.); medicines or drugs, as defined by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 350a ) as amended; enzymes, herbs, or botanicals; oral rehydration fluids or electrolyte solutions; flavoring or thickening agents; and feeding utensils or devices (e.g., feeding tubes, bags, pumps) designed to administer a WIC-eligible formula.
2 All authorized milks must conform to FDA standards of identity for milks as defined by 21 CFR part 131 and meet WIC's requirements for vitamin fortification as specified in Table 4 of paragraph (e)(12) of this section. Additional authorized milks include, but are not limited to: calcium-fortified, lactose-reduced and lactose-free, organic and UHT pasteurized milks. Other milks are permitted at the State agency's discretion provided that the State agency determines that the milk meets the minimum requirements for authorized milk.
3 FDA Health Claim Notification for Whole Grain Foods with Moderate Fat Content at http://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/labelingnutrition/ucm073634.htm
4 Processed refers to frozen, canned,5 or dried.
5 "Canned" refers to processed food items in cans or other shelf-stable containers, e.g., jars, pouches.
6 The following are not authorized: herbs and spices; creamed vegetables or vegetables with added sauces; mixed vegetables containing noodles, nuts or sauce packets, vegetable-grain (pasta or rice) mixtures; fruit-nut mixtures; breaded vegetables; fruits and vegetables for purchase on salad bars; peanuts or other nuts; ornamental and decorative fruits and vegetables such as chili peppers on a string; garlic on a string; gourds; painted pumpkins; fruit baskets and party vegetable trays; decorative blossoms and flowers, and foods containing fruits such as blueberry muffins and other baked goods. Home-canned and home-preserved fruits and vegetables are not authorized.
7 Mature legumes in dry-packed or canned forms may be purchased with the WIC food instrument only. Immature varieties of fresh or canned beans and frozen beans of any type (immature or mature) may be purchased with the cash-value voucher only. Juices are provided as separate food WIC categories and are not authorized under the fruit and vegetable category.
8 Excludes white potatoes, mixed vegetables containing white potatoes, dried white potatoes; catsup or other condiments; pickled vegetables; olives; soups; juices; and fruit leathers and fruit roll-ups. Canned tomato sauce, tomato paste, salsa and spaghetti sauce without added sugar, fats, or oils are authorized.
9 State agencies have the option to allow only lower sodium canned vegetables for purchase with the cash-value voucher.
10 FDA defines jack mackerel as any of the following six species: Trachurus declivis, trachurus japonicas, trachurur symmetricus, trachurus murphyi, trachurus novaezelandiae, and trachurus lathami in The Seafood List at http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Seafood/ucm113260.htm. King mackerel is not authorized.
11 The following are not authorized in the mature legume category: soups; immature varieties of legumes, such as those used in canned green peas, green beans, snap beans, yellow beans, and wax beans; baked beans with meat, e.g., beans and franks; and beans containing added sugars (with the exception of baked beans), fats, oils, meats, fruits or vegetables.
12 Infant cereals containing infant formula, milk, fruit, or other non-cereal ingredients are not allowed.
13 Mixtures with cereal or infant food desserts (e.g., peach cobbler) are not authorized; however, combinations of single ingredients (e.g., apple-banana) and combinations of single ingredients of fruits and/or vegetables (e.g., apples and squash) are allowed.
14 Combinations of single ingredients (e.g., peas and carrots) and combinations of single ingredients of fruits and/or vegetables (e.g., apples and squash) are allowed. Mixed vegetables with white potato as an ingredient (e.g., mixed vegetables) are authorized. Infant foods containing white potatoes as the primary ingredient are not authorized.
15 No infant food combinations (e.g., meat and vegetables) or dinners (e.g., spaghetti and meatballs) are allowed.
7 C.F.R. §246.10