What Do I Get at WIC?
Food Benefits for WIC Foods
On October 1, 2009, the Texas WIC Nutrition Program food packages added 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. They also provide better promotion and support for the establishment of long-term breastfeeding and better accommodation of cultural food preferences.
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
Accommodates cultural food preferences
Tofu and soy milk as an option instead of milk
Better accommodates special needs participants
Supplemental foods in addition to formula
WIC foods are specifically selected for their high nutritional value as well as for their relatively low cost. These foods include: milk, cereals, eggs, peanut butter, cheese, juices, beans, and infant formula. Participants will receive a combination of these foods depending on their category (pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, child, infant).
Nutrition Education
Staff Nutritionists provide guidance to participants to stress the importance of good nutrition to the development of a healthy family. This includes individual nutrition counseling, nutrition education, as well as instruction in food preparation. All WIC participants are eligible to receive nutrition education.
Breastfeeding Support
Clients are encouraged to breastfeed and are given excellent instruction and support on effective feeding methods. They receive information regarding the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding so that they can make an informed decision about how to best feed their newborn babies. Breastfeeding counselors are available for educational purposes and for consultation about problems and concerns encountered by the breastfeeding mother.
In addition, the new food benefits package provides better promotion and support for the establishment of long-term breastfeeding by providing breast pumps and breastfeeding support provided, as needed. The following changes also support this nutritional practice:
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
Referrals to Other Healthcare Agencies
WIC provides referrals to other health and social service agencies such as AFDC, Food Stamps, Medicaid, Texas Health Steps (ESPDT), other agencies according to prescribed special needs, and to other services provided by Metro Health.
