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Whole Grains - Frequently Asked Questions
MN WIC Program
- Why do children receive 2 whole grain choices and women only 1 whole grain? (07/08/09)
- Why did they choose whole grain bread or whole wheat tortillas? Why were these food items combined in one option? (07/08/09)
- Why is whole grain past not in the food package? (07/08/09)
- In her whole grain presentation, Julie Jones stated that it's not always possible to identify a whole grain food just by looking at the ingredients list, nor can you always tell by looking at the amount of fiber in the product. So, if the percentage of whole grains is not listed on the label, how can one identify good whole grain/high fiber products? (07/08/09)
Why do children receive 2 whole grain choices and women only 1 whole grain? (07/08/09)
The IOM report noted that nutrient needs for postpartum women are ordinarily lower than those for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It also noted that pregnant and breastfeeding women had lower intakes of some key nutrients (i.e. vitamin B6, folate, niacin, thiamin and zinc). These factors, as well as the need for cost neutrality, influence the decision not to include whole grains for postpartum women receiving Food package 6.
For children ages 1 through 4 years old, priority nutrients identified as lacking in the diet were fiber, vitamin E and potassium. Also, whole grain consumption tended to be lower by Dietary Guidelines standards for children 2-4 yrs. The IOM report recommended providing children with repeated exposure to new foods to optimize acceptance and encourage development of healthy eating habits that promote selection of a varied diet. The report also cited increasing intakes of priority foods such as whole grains as a way to help limit intakes of saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol and added sugars.
Why did they choose whole grain bread or whole wheat tortillas? Why were these food items combined in one option? (07/08/09)
Bread is a very common food item. It is frequently used and well accepted by many participants, as well as being a good source of priority nutrients. Including whole grain bread is a fairly easy way to change habits and to improve intake for a large portion of the population. Public comments also guided decisions about which food items were included. Tortillas were included as a cultural option.
These two items were combined as one choice on the vouchers for participants, due to CHIP programming and administrative considerations.
Why is whole grain past not in the food package? (07/08/09)
The interim rule in Federal Regulations does not include whole grain pasta as a WIC-eligible food.
In her whole grain presentation, Julie Jones stated that it's not always possible to identify a whole grain food just by looking at the ingredients list, nor can you always tell by looking at the amount of fiber in the product. So, if the percentage of whole grains is not listed on the label, how can one identify good whole grain/high fiber products? (07/08/09)
The Whole Grains Council has information on their website about identifying whole grains. Go to: http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/identifying-whole-grain-products
