The New WIC Food Packages

Time for a Change
Why Change?

On October 1, 2009, the Texas WIC Nutrition Program food packages will undergo a number of changes. There will be the addition of new allowable foods as well as changes in some of the current food items. These modifications align the WIC food packages with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as provide better promotion and support for the establishment of long-term breastfeeding and better accommodation of cultural food preferences. 

Summary of Food Changes

• Alignment with national dietary recommendations
• Increases fiber by adding:
•  fresh and frozen fruits, and vegetables
• whole grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice, corn and whole wheat tortillas
• Reduces saturated fat and cholesterol by decreasing amounts of:
• milk (low-fat milk for women and children age 2 and over)
• eggs
• cheese
• Delays introduction of infant cereal 
• Adds infant foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats
• Eliminates infant juice

• Better promotion and support for the establishment of long-term breastfeeding
• Breast pumps and breastfeeding support provided, as needed
• For exclusively breastfeeding women
• Increased amount of food
• Addition of salmon
• For exclusively breastfed infants
• Increased amounts of infant fruits and vegetables 
• Addition of infant meats

• Accommodate cultural food preferences
• Tofu and soy milk as an option instead of milk

• Better accommodate special needs participants
• Supplemental foods in addition to formula

Food Packages

Last Updated April 17, 2009