Overview of the New Food Package
Information for Health Care Providers
MN WIC Program
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Beginning August 2009, the WIC Program will enhance promotion and support for long-term breastfeeding, and focus on prevention of overweight and other chronic diseases. Changes in WIC foods and services reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005 IOM report "WIC Food Packages: Time for a Change", and recommendations by professional organizations such as AAP.
New Foods August 2009
- Whole grains: bread, tortillas, brown rice and oats for women and children.
- Fruits and vegetables for women and children.
- Baby food fruits and vegetables (and meats for fully breastfed infants) starting at 6 months.
- Dairy alternatives (soy beverage and tofu) for some participants.
Changes in Foods
- ONLY whole milk for children 12 - 23 months of age.
- Only fat-free or 1% milk for children, 2 - 5 years, and women.
- Canned legumes as an alternative to dry legumes.
- Non-contract standard infant formulas will no longer be allowed.
Changes in Quantities
- More foods for breastfeeding women and women pregnant with multiples.
- Less formula for partially breastfed and older infants.
- No formula for breastfed babies in first month (to protect milk supply) unless a careful and complete WIC assessment finds a valid reason for 1 can of powdered formula.
- Different quantities of formula to better match amounts recommended during baby's first year (e.g., less formula starting at 6 months of age when baby foods are provided).
- Less juice, milk, cheese and eggs for women and children.
Reminder: WIC is a supplemental nutrition program and does NOT provide all the food (or formula) a WIC participant may need.
Changes in "Prescription-Required" for Formulas and Other Foods
- Combinations of medical formulas and regular WIC foods will be allowed for participants ≥6 months with qualifying medical conditions.
- Prescriptions for WIC-allowed medical formulas must specify a medical condition (not a symptom), amount per day, and whether regular foods are to be delayed. (See Formula for more information.)
- Whole milk for children (≥2 years) and women may be provided ONLY with a prescription for an allowable weight-related medical condition. (See Milk Substitutes for more information.)
- New WIC request forms: Medical Formula/Foods Documentation and Authorization of Milk Substitutes are also available from local WIC agencies.
Medical Formula/Foods Documentation Form
Authorization of Milk Substitutes Form
Renewed Focus of WIC Services on:
- Prenatal anticipatory guidance and postpartum breastfeeding support.
- Participant skill in selecting fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Preventing overweight/obesity.
- Nutrition Messages: "eat more fruits and vegetables"; "lower saturated fat"; "increase whole grains and fiber"; "drink fewer sweetened beverages and juice"; and "babies are meant to be breastfed".
