Suggested Changes to the WIC Food Packages for Moms
What are the changes to the food package?
Before WIC makes changes that affect participants, you have the chance to let us know what you think. WIC is looking to improve the variety and nutritional quality of food provided and support individual breastfeeding goals of participants by updating the WIC food packages. The suggested changes are published in the WIC Food Package Proposed Rule.
Suggested Changes for Mothers and Infants
Participants receive food packages as a part of the WIC program benefits. What's in the food packages varies based on how often you breastfeed your baby and how much infant formula you receive from WIC.
In the suggested changes, there are four food packages for women:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Partially Breastfeeding
- Postpartum
The current food package for partially breastfeeding and pregnant participants are the same. WIC is now suggesting that partially breastfeeding participants receive their own food package to support their breastfeeding needs.
Below is a chart with the suggested changes in the amounts of certain food categories for women:
|
|
Pregnant |
Breastfeeding |
Partially Breastfeeding* |
Postpartum |
|
Canned Fish |
10 ounces |
20 ounces |
15 ounces |
10 ounces |
|
Vegetables & Fruit |
$43 |
$47 |
$47 |
$43 |
|
Juice |
64 ounces |
64 ounces |
64 ounces |
0 ounces |
|
Milk |
16 quarts |
16 quarts |
16 quarts |
16 quarts |
|
Whole Grain |
48 ounces |
48 ounces |
48 ounces |
48 ounces |
| *New Food Package | ||||
**
For partially breastfed infants and new mothers trying to establish breastfeeding, WIC is suggesting to provide up to 364 fluid ounces of infant formula in the first month.
For an overview of suggested changes to the food packages, see Overview of the WIC Food Packages Proposed Rule.