Highlights of WIC Food Package Changes

WIC Statewide Meeting September 19, 2014

Children ≥ 24 months of age and Women in Food Packages IV-VII will receive low-fat (1%) milk or non-fat (skim).

Talking Points on transition Low-fat milk Poster distributed to raise

participant awareness Additional materials for education

suggested by ReNEW 2.0 Policy re: 2% milk issuance

Switch to Low-fat Milk

What about 2% Milk?

2 % can only be provided to women or children with the following nutrition risks and appropriate nutrition assessment and documentation. Policy is forthcoming.

Women: Underweight (67) or Severe Underweight (65) or Low Maternal Weight Gain or Weight Loss (69)

Children: Underweight (57), At Risk of Underweight (10) or Failure to Thrive (15)

Local agency issuance of 2% milk will be monitored monthly at State level during transition.

Verification of appropriate issuance during routine monitoring

Issuance of 2% milk

Can still be provided with a qualifying medical condition and medical documentation.

Whole Milk

It’s Now Easier for Kids to Enjoy Soy!

A medical prescription is no longer required for the issuance of soy-based beverage (soy milk) and tofu as milk substitutes for children.

Appropriate assessment and documentation by WIC staff is still required.

Now WIC-eligible… Whole wheat semolina macaroni

products that list the description: whole wheat macaroni; whole wheat spaghetti; whole wheat vermicelli; or whole wheat macaroni products, and

have no added sugars, fats, oils, or salt (i.e., sodium)

Numbered memo 14-040 details brands

Go with Fiber!

Soft corn tortilla, will now be identified as “corn tortillas” and defined as tortillas made from whole corn, corn masa flour, masa harina, and white corn flour and corn must be listed as a primary ingredient.

Refer to Numbered Memo 14-040 for brands.

Go with Fiber!

Canned tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce are now WIC approved.

Cannot contain added sugars, fats, and oils.

Purchased with Fruit & Vegetable checks (CVV)

More Varieties of Vegetables

Campbell’s Tomato Juice Low Sodium is approved. The approved vegetable juices are: V8 Low Sodium Vegetable Juice and Price Chopper Low Sodium Vegetable Juice

Purchased with the regular WIC checks

More Varieties of Vegetables

One (1) pound of cheese added to core packages for children and women. Nutritionist has the option and should tailor based on nutritional assessment.

Canned beans approved as an option in children and women’s food packages. Refer to Numbered Memo 14-040 for more details re: substitution rates.

Additions to the Core Food Packages