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WIC - WIC Foods and WIC Checks |
Questions About WIC Foods And WIC Checks
How do foods become approved as WIC foods?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives the State the list of foods that WIC can provide. These are milk, juice, cheese, cereal, dried beans, eggs, peanut butter, eggs, infant formula, and infant cereal. Carrots, canned tuna and canned pink salmon are provided for fully breastfeeding mothers. Each food must meet high nutritional standards. For example, WIC juice must be 100% juice and contain 30 milligrams of Vitamin C per serving. States adapt this general USDA list, depending on how much money the state has to spend on food, local brands and food availability.
Why doesn't WIC approve yogurt, fruits and vegetables, or other healthy foods that cost the same as current WIC foods?
The USDA regulates the foods provided by WIC. The Alaska WIC Program has asked the USDA to approve some new WIC foods, but so far they have not been approved.
Are WIC coupons really checks?
No. Many people call them checks because they look like a check. But they are really coupons that list the foods and the amounts of each food that you can exchange at a WIC-approved store. You cannot get any cash or change for WIC checks.
Will I get my WIC checks at the appointment or will I have to wait?
Usually your WIC checks will be printed and given to you at the end of your appointment if you were able to provide all of the income and identification requested. You would be able to use your WIC checks that same day if you wanted to.
If you apply for WIC by mail the checks will be mailed to you when your application has been approved.
What will be on my WIC Checks?
WIC provides formula, infant cereal and juice for infants. Pregnant women and children receive milk, juice, cheese, cereal, eggs, beans, or peanut butter. Fully breastfeeding women also receive carrots and canned salmon or tuna.
Why are there 'use between' dates on WIC checks?
The USDA tells us the maximum amount of food we may give you each month (each 30 day period). We cannot give you more food until the next month or you will have received more food than you were allowed for that period. The 'use between' dates printed on the checks make sure that you receive the right amount of food for each month.
Can I buy any kind of food I want?
WIC allows only specific kinds and brands of food. You will be given a list of approved foods to take to the store with you. The limitations are so you can have the most nutritious foods. For example, all of the allowed WIC cereals are low in sugar and fortified with iron!
I can't drink milk. Can WIC still help me?
Yes, WIC allows you to buy lactose free milk. We can also decrease the amount of milk you receive and increase the amount of cheese you receive. Your WIC staff will adjust the package to meet your milk needs.
Will WIC buy all of my food for the month?
WIC is supplemental and therefore we provide only a portion of the food you need. You will need to buy some additional food. WIC does not provide all the formula a baby needs each month. You will still need to buy additional formula.
Where can I use my WIC warrants?
Your WIC staff will give you a list of stores that accept the WIC checks in your area. In the larger cities there will be several stores to chose from.
What do I need to shop with my WIC checks?
You need the WIC checks, a picture ID like the one you use when cashing a personal check, and the list of allowed WIC foods given to you by WIC staff.
Can I get less than the amounts of foods printed on the WIC checks?
Yes, you may get less but not more than the amounts of foods printed on the check, except for infant formula. You must get all of the formula listed on the check. The store will only charge WIC for the items you actually received.
A cashier was rude to me when I used my WIC checks. What can I do?
Report it to your local WIC office. They will investigate what happened. If you can tell us the store location, date, time the problem occurred and cashier's name it will help us to look into the matter more thoroughly.
I heard WIC gives fruits and vegetables now?
Alaska WIC does participate in the local Farmers' Market Program where WIC participants receive coupons during the summer months to buy Alaska grown fruit and vegetables at the local outdoor markets.
Why isn't there Farmers' Market for rural WIC participants?
WIC Farmers' Market coupons can only be used at local Farmers' Markets that sell Alaska grown fruits and vegetables. Farmers' Market coupons cannot be used to buy produce that is not grown in Alaska. If there is no such Farmers' Market in your area, WIC Farmers' Market Coupons cannot be issued to you.
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