The Minnesota WIC Program’s Food Package Changes
Milk in the Spotlight
This is the first 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 some major changes in the milk that is approved for purchase by
WIC customers.
How is the milk offered by the WIC Program changing?
™ Beginning August 1st, most WIC participants will be receiving vouchers that only
list low-fat milk (fat-free/skim or 1%). Only a small number of WIC
participants will still receive vouchers that list whole milk or 2% milk.
What will this change mean for my store?
™ Starting August 1, 2009, your store may need to stock more low fat milk (fatfree/skim or 1%) and less whole or 2% milk. Since the majority of WIC
participants will have vouchers that list only low fat milk, you will see this
product rotate through your inventory more quickly.
™ The minimum stock requirements for milk will change beginning August 1st.
Under the new minimum stock requirements, stores will need to have in stock at
least two of the following varieties of milk: fat-free/skim, 1% or 2%. Whole
milk will no longer count toward the minimum stock requirement.
™ Store cashiers will need to pay close attention to the specific varieties of milk that
are listed on the voucher to ensure each WIC customer obtains the correct milk.
™ Despite the training that the local WIC agencies will provide to their WIC
participants about this change, it is likely that some WIC customers will be
initially confused about the change and may try to purchase the wrong milk. Store
cashiers will need to be patient with WIC customers during the transition to low
fat milk.
Why is milk changing?
™ Federal requirements have changed.
™ To be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. By consuming low
fat milk, participants will help limit the amount of fat in their diets. This may
help reduce their risk for coronary heart disease and for being overweight.
Will vouchers look different?
™ For the most part, no. But the store cashiers will need to read the vouchers
carefully to identify what varieties of milk the WIC customer can purchase.
Please see the following examples:
Example of WIC voucher with low-fat milk
Example of WIC voucher with option for whole milk or 2% milk