What Foods and Items You Can Buy With WIC

WIC covers specific foods, not all groceries

WIC pays for a set list of foods chosen because they are high in nutrients that young children, pregnant people, and nursing mothers need most. You cannot use WIC to buy everything at a grocery store — only items on your state's approved list. The list includes milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula or baby food. Some states also cover juice, yogurt, or canned fish.

Each state maintains its own approved list, so what you can buy in one state may differ slightly from another. Your WIC program will give you a list of approved foods when you enroll, and most state programs post the full list online. The foods change occasionally as nutrition science evolves, but the core items stay the same year to year.

WIC does not cover non-food items like diapers, wipes, or household supplies, even though families with young children need those things. It also does not cover prepared foods, hot foods, or restaurant meals. Vitamins, medicines, and personal care products are not covered either.

Key Takeaways

• WIC covers milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula — foods high in nutrients for young children and pregnant or nursing mothers.
• Each state sets its own approved food list, so the exact items available to you depend on where you live.
• WIC does not pay for prepared foods, diapers, household supplies, vitamins, or medicines.
• You receive a WIC card or vouchers that work only at authorized grocery stores and farmers markets that accept WIC.
• The amount of food you can buy each month is set by your state and based on family size and who in your household receives WIC.

How much food you receive each month

WIC gives you a monthly food package, not a dollar amount. Your state decides how much of each food category you can buy — for example, one gallon of milk per week, or a certain number of pounds of beans. The package size depends on your family size and which household members are enrolled: a pregnant woman gets a different package than a nursing mother, and children under five get different amounts than school-age children.

Your state WIC program will tell you exactly what quantities you can purchase each month when you enroll. Some states use a WIC card that tracks your purchases like a debit card; others issue paper vouchers that list the foods and amounts. Either way, you can only buy what is on your monthly package — you cannot trade unused portions for cash or different foods.

If you do not use your full monthly package, the unused portion typically does not roll over to the next month. Each month starts fresh with a new package. Some states allow you to use your benefits through the end of the month, while others reset on a specific date, so check with your local WIC office about the exact timeline.

Where you can use your WIC benefits

WIC only works at stores that have signed up to accept it. Most large grocery chains participate, as do many smaller grocery stores and supermarkets. Some farmers markets also accept WIC, though not all do. Your WIC program will give you a list of authorized stores in your area, or you can search online through your state's WIC website.

You cannot use WIC at convenience stores, gas stations, or dollar stores, even if they sell some of the approved foods. Restaurants and prepared food counters do not accept WIC. If you shop at a store that is not authorized, your WIC card or vouchers will not work, so it is worth checking the list before you go.

When you shop, the cashier will scan your WIC card or process your vouchers separately from any other items you buy with cash or another payment method. The store's register system knows which items are WIC-approved, so items not on your state's list will not ring up on your WIC transaction, even if you try to buy them.

Infant formula and baby food covered by WIC

WIC covers infant formula for babies under one year old and baby food (pureed fruits, vegetables, and meats) for babies starting solid foods, usually around four to six months. The specific brands and types of formula covered vary by state — some states cover only certain brands, while others cover a wider range. Your WIC program will tell you which formulas are approved when your baby is born or when you enroll.

If your baby has allergies or cannot tolerate standard formula, your WIC program may cover specialized formulas like hypoallergenic or lactose-free versions, but you will need a doctor's note stating the medical reason. Baby food jars and pouches of fruits, vegetables, and meats are covered, but not baby snacks, teething biscuits, or baby juice.

Formula and baby food are often the most expensive items on the WIC list, so the benefit is particularly valuable for families with infants. If you are nursing and do not need formula, your WIC package will include other foods instead, and you can use the formula portion for other approved items if your state allows substitutions.

Produce and fresh foods on WIC

WIC covers fresh fruits and vegetables, though the exact types and amounts depend on your state. Most states allow you to choose from a variety of produce — apples, bananas, carrots, broccoli, spinach, and others — up to a certain dollar amount or weight per month. Some states give you a fixed list of approved produce; others let you pick any fresh fruit or vegetable.

Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are usually covered too, as long as they have no added sugar or salt. Canned fruit packed in juice or water is typically approved, but canned fruit in heavy syrup may not be. Frozen vegetables without added sauces or seasonings are usually fine. Check your state's list to be sure, because the rules vary.

Dried beans and lentils are covered by WIC and are a low-cost source of protein and fiber. Canned beans are also approved in most states, though some states limit the amount or require beans with no added salt. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread are part of the WIC package in most states.

Dairy products and protein sources on WIC

Milk is a core WIC food, and most states cover low-fat or fat-free milk in gallon or half-gallon sizes. Some states also cover lactose-free milk or milk alternatives like soy milk for families who cannot drink regular dairy milk. Cheese is covered in most states, usually limited to certain types like cheddar or mozzarella, and in set quantities like one pound per month.

Yogurt is covered in some states but not others, and when it is covered, it is usually plain yogurt without added sugar or fruit. Eggs are a standard WIC food, typically one dozen per month. Peanut butter is covered in most states as a protein source, usually one jar per month.

Canned fish like tuna and salmon are covered in some states as a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Dried beans and lentils serve the same purpose and are covered in all states. Meat, poultry, and fresh fish are not covered by WIC, so families use other resources or their own money for those proteins.

Grains and cereals included in WIC

WIC covers whole grain bread, whole grain cereal, and other grain products. Bread must be whole grain in most states, though some states allow white bread if it is enriched. You typically receive an allowance for bread — for example, two loaves per month — and can choose from approved brands at the store.

Cereal must be low in sugar and high in fiber or iron in most states. Your WIC program will have a list of approved cereals, and you can usually choose any brand on that list up to your monthly amount. Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta are covered in most states as well.

Juice is covered in some states but not all, and when it is covered, it is usually 100% juice with no added sugar. The amount is typically limited — for example, one 64-ounce container per month — because whole fruits and vegetables are preferred for their fiber content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy organic or name-brand foods with WIC?

Yes, if they are on your state's approved list. WIC does not require you to buy generic or store brands — you can choose any approved brand up to your monthly amount. Some states cover organic milk or organic produce, but not all. Check your state's approved food list to see which brands and types are available to you.

What happens if I do not use all my WIC benefits in a month?

Unused benefits typically do not carry over to the next month. Each month you receive a new package of benefits. Some states allow you to use benefits through the end of the calendar month or a specific date, so ask your WIC office about the exact important date. Plan your shopping to use what you receive, or you will lose it.

Can I buy WIC foods at farmers markets?

Some farmers markets accept WIC, but not all. Your state WIC program maintains a list of authorized farmers markets where you can use your benefits. Farmers markets that accept WIC can only sell you approved foods — produce, eggs, and sometimes milk or cheese — depending on what the vendor offers and what your state covers.

Are vitamins or supplements covered by WIC?

No. WIC covers only food, not vitamins, minerals, or supplements. If your doctor recommends a vitamin for your child or during pregnancy, you will need to buy it separately with your own money or through another program.

Can I use WIC to buy food for my school-age child?

WIC covers children up to age five in most states. School-age children are not may be able to access for WIC. If you have older children, you may be able to use other programs like SNAP (food stamps) to buy food for them, but WIC is for children under five, pregnant people, and nursing mothers only.