Have you ever wondered why the WIC Program provides the foods it does? The following list details the reasons why each food has been selected to be on the WIC Program. In general, WIC foods are selected because they are high in protein, calcium, and vitamin C, and low in simple sugars and low in relative cost. Some foods, such as organic foods, are not allowed due to their high cost.

MILK		Milk has been selected because it is a good source of calcium, vitamins A&D and protein, which are needed to grow strong bones and teeth. Lactose Free milk is provided only for lactose intolerance. Flavored milk is not provided due to its high sugar content.
CHEESE		Cheese is also a good source of calcium. To provide WIC participants with calcium and other nutrients cheese must be 100% cheese. Cheese foods contain cheese but are not 100% cheese. They have oils and other additives, which do not provide the nutrition that 100% cheese provides. Cheese food or any cheese like product with additives is not allowed.
EGGS		Eggs are high in protein and iron; both are important for all areas of growth. Only large eggs are allowed.
PEANUT BUTTER		Peanut Butter provides a good source of protein. Peanut butter/jelly mixes or peanut butter spreads with additives and fillers dilute the quality of nutrition provided.
DRY BEANS AND PEAS		Dried beans and peas are an excellent source of protein and iron.
FRUIT JUICE		Fruit juice is an excellent source of vitamin C. WIC provides enough juice to meet the RDI's recommendation for vitamin C. Only 100% fruit juice is allowed. Fruit drinks such as Hi-C are not allowed because they do not provide the nutrition of 100% fruit juice and can be high in simple sugars.
CEREAL		Cereal provided under the WIC Program must be iron fortified and be low in simple sugars. This means that all WIC cereals have less than 6 grams of sugar/oz. Any cereal that is not iron fortified or has low iron content, such as Quaker Oatmeal in a canister is not allowed.
INFANT FORMULA		Infant formula provided to WIC participants is specified on the check. Special formulas are sometimes prescribed by the participant's physician. Formulas Provided by WIC must be fortified with iron. Iron is very important in all areas of growth including brain development. No low iron formulas are allowed.
INFANT JUICE		Infant juice is higher in vitamin C than regular juice and must be 100% fruit juice. When infant juice is specified only 32oz., infant juice is allowed.
INFANT CEREAL		Infant cereal is iron fortified. It can only be purchased when printed on the check. The infant cereal on the WIC Program is "plain" meaning it is a single or mixed grain without fillers such as fruit or infant formula.