The Minnesota WIC Program’s Food Package Changes
Whole Grains in the Spotlight
This is the third 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
whole grain WIC products that will be allowed in the new WIC food package.
What whole grain products can WIC customers purchase?
™ Whole wheat or whole grain bread – Whole wheat or whole grain bread will be allowed in
a 16 ounce (one pound) size package. The specific WIC allowed brands will be designated
on the WIC food list.
™ Tortillas – Soft corn or whole wheat or whole grain tortillas (corn or whole wheat or whole
grain must be listed as first ingredient) will be allowed in a 14 to 16 oz size package. The
specific WIC allowed brands will be designated on the WIC food list.
™ Brown Rice – Brown rice will be allowed in a 14 to 16 oz size package or can be purchased
in bulk. WIC customers will be allowed to purchase any brand of brown rice (with a few
restrictions).
™ Oatmeal (Rolled Oats) – Oatmeal will be allowed in a 14 -16 oz package or can be
purchased in bulk. The specific WIC allowed brands will be designated on the WIC food
list.
In addition to the new whole grain WIC foods added to the food package, more than half of the
WIC–allowed cereals authorized for the WIC program will be whole grain cereals. The WIC food
list will specify the WIC allowed cereals that meet the whole grain requirements.
What will this change mean for my store?
™ Starting August 1, 2009, your store will need to stock WIC–allowed whole grain foods.
™ Under the new minimum stock requirements, stores located in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin,
or Ramsey county will need to have in stock at all times at least five pounds of WICallowed whole grains in at least three of the following varieties: whole grain bread,
whole grain tortillas, oatmeal and brown rice. Stores located in other counties will need
to have in stock at all times at least three pounds of WIC-allowed whole grains in at
least three of the following varieties: whole grain bread, whole grain tortillas, oatmeal
and brown rice.
™ Only the whole grain cereals designated on the WIC food list will count toward the minimum
stock requirements. There will still be non-whole grain cereals that are WIC-allowed, and
your store may continue to stock these varieties, but they will not count toward the minimum
stock requirements.
™ Store cashiers will need to pay close attention to the specific whole grain products and the
amounts that are listed on the voucher to ensure each WIC customer obtains the correct
amounts and types of whole grain products.
™ We anticipate that some WIC customers may be initially confused about which whole grain
products are WIC allowed. Store cashiers will need to be patient with WIC customers during
the transition to the new WIC foods.
Will vouchers look different?
™ For the most part, no. But store cashiers will need to read the vouchers carefully to identify
the amounts and varieties of whole grain products that the WIC customer can purchase. In
the examples below, the WIC customer can purchase one pound of whole grain bread or
tortillas on the first voucher and one pound of brown rice or oatmeal on the second voucher.
Examples of WIC vouchers with whole grain products