The Minnesota WIC Program’s Food Package Changes
Soy Products in the Spotlight
This is the fifth in a series of updates spotlighting the foods in the new WIC food package. All
stores will need to have the new WIC foods in stock by August 1, 2009. This update focuses on
the soy products that will be allowed in the new WIC food package.
The soy products available in the new food package include:
™ Soy beverage – Designated brands of plain unflavored soy beverages will be allowed in a
quart or half gallon size container. The soy beverage products can be refrigerated or shelf
stable. Currently, only two soy beverages have been identified as meeting the specific WIC
nutritional requirements for these products.
™ Tofu – Designated brands of plain unflavored tofu (any texture) will be allowed in a 12 to
16 ounce package. The tofu can be refrigerated or shelf stable, but must list calcium on the
label.
Participants can request their local WIC agency to substitute soy beverage or tofu for a portion
of the milk that they would otherwise receive on their vouchers.
What will this change mean for my store?
™ Although there are no specific minimum stock requirements for stores for soy beverage or
tofu, your store will need to make these products available upon request of a WIC
customer. Thereafter, your store will need to have this product available in stock until the
WIC customer no longer needs it.
Will vouchers look different?
™ For the most part, no. But store cashiers will need to read the vouchers carefully to identify
the amounts of soy beverage or tofu that the WIC customer can purchase (see examples
below).
Example of WIC voucher with soy beverage:
Example of WIC voucher with tofu: