WIC Shopping Guide Washington State WIC Nutrition Program - Effective July 2015
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WIC
Shopping Guide
Washington State
WIC Nutrition Program
Effective July 2015
Notes Contents
Information for WIC Shoppers
Using WIC Checks.........................................................................................................2
Shopping Tips................................................................................................................3
Baby Food
Baby Cereal......................................................................................................................4
Baby Food – Fruits and Vegetables.........................................................................4
Baby Food – Meats.......................................................................................................5
Breakfast Cereal..............................................................................................6–7
Cheese..................................................................................................................8
Dried Beans/Peas/Lentils..................................................................................9
Eggs.....................................................................................................................10
Fish – Canned....................................................................................................11
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.................................................................... 12–13
Juice
Juice for Women – Cans or Plastic Bottles (46 OZ)................................... 14–15
Juice for Women – Frozen (11.5 OZ or 12 OZ)............................................. 16–17
Juice for Children – Plastic Bottles (64 OZ)................................................. 18–19
Milk
Nonfat, 1%, 2%, and Whole.................................................................................... 20
Lactose Free................................................................................................................. 21
Dry................................................................................................................................... 21
Evaporated................................................................................................................... 22
Peanut Butter....................................................................................................23
Soy Beverage.....................................................................................................24
Tofu.....................................................................................................................25
Whole Grain Choices
Brown Rice.................................................................................................................... 26
Bulgur............................................................................................................................. 27
Oatmeal......................................................................................................................... 27
Soft Tortillas.................................................................................................................. 28
Whole Wheat Pasta.................................................................................................... 29
100% Whole Wheat Bread....................................................................................... 30
Information for WIC Retailers
WIC Customer Identification.................................................................................. 31
Important Points to Remember at the Check Stand..................................... 32
Helpful Information for Checkers......................................................................... 33
How to Take a WIC Check.................................................................................34–35
How to Take WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks..........................................36–37
1
Information for WIC Shoppers Information for WIC Shoppers
Using WIC Checks Shopping Tips
The following rules apply to WIC checks and WIC Fruit and You can help WIC serve more families by using
Vegetable checks: coupons and loyalty cards, and choosing lower priced
• Use your checks on or between the first and last day to use. foods.
• Use a check only if your name is printed below the signature box. You can participate in store specials when you
use WIC checks. This includes buy one, get one free
• Shop only at approved stores. Look for the offers. The “buy one” food must be WIC approved.
“WIC Checks Accepted Here” signs. The “get one free” does not have to be WIC approved.
• Buy the amounts and types of foods listed on
You can ask the store’s customer service staff if
your checks.
the store can order foods you need. Stores are not
• Separate your WIC foods by check, and from other required to carry all WIC approved foods. You cannot
items you are buying. accept rainchecks.
• Let the checker know you are using WIC checks before you begin You do not have to buy all the foods printed
your purchase. on your WIC checks. You can buy less, not more.
• Sign the check only after the checker sees your ID and writes in If you buy less, you cannot return to the store for the
the “Actual Purchase Price.” foods that were on the check that you did not buy.
If you or your alternate shopper use the WIC Appointment/ID folder as
These additional rules apply only to WIC Fruit and Vegetable ID, make sure the names and signatures are included before shopping.
checks: Other forms of ID are accepted. The name on the ID must match one of the
names printed below the signature box on the check.
• Ask the checker if you can combine more than one WIC Fruit and
Vegetable check. Some stores can do this. Do not sign the check until the checker enters the “Actual Purchase
Price.” If you sign the check before you give it to the checker, the store will
Example: You can combine a $8 WIC Fruit and Vegetable check not accept the check.
with a $10 WIC Fruit and Vegetable check to pay for $18 worth
of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid express lanes when using more than one WIC check.
• If your purchase costs more than the amount on the WIC Fruit Weights and Measures Shopping Tip
and Vegetable check, you are allowed to pay the extra amount.
Abbreviations: Look for Shopping Tips throughout
Example: If the purchase costs $9, and you are using a $8 WIC Ounces = OZ the guide.
Fruit and Vegetable check, you can pay the extra $1 to cover Pound = LB
the cost.
Equivalents:
• If your purchase costs less than the amount on the WIC Fruit and ½ gallon = 2 quarts
Vegetable check, you are not allowed to receive money back. 1 gallon = 2 half-gallons
1 gallon = 3.8 liters
½ pound = 8 ounces
1 pound = 16 ounces
1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
2 3
Baby Food Baby Food
Baby Cereal Baby Food – Meats
APPROVED NOT APPROVED APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Must Be Do Not Buy Must Be Do Not Buy
8 OZ or 16 OZ Cans 2.5 OZ glass jars Plastic containers
Boxes or plastic flip lid containers Jars Plain Added flavors, formula, or spices
Dry Single-serve or individual packets These brands – Stage 1 or Stage 2: Casseroles
Plain Added flavors, fruit, or formula Baby Basics DHA
These brands: Corn Beech-Nut Classics Dinners
Beech-Nut DHA Full Circle Organic Meat sticks
Gerber Organic Gerber 2nd Foods Mixed with fruits or vegetables
Prebiotic or probiotic Happy Naturals Noodles or rice
You Can Choose
Quinoa O Organics Stage 3
Any type, including
multigrain, oatmeal, Tippy Toes or Tippy Toes Organic
rice, and whole wheat Wild Harvest Organic
Yummy Naturals
Yummy Organics
Baby Food – Fruits and Vegetables
You Can Choose
APPROVED NOT APPROVED Any variety
Must Be Do Not Buy Single meat
4 OZ glass jars Plastic containers With broth or gravy
Plain Added flavors, formula, or spices
These brands – Stage 2: Casseroles
For Fully Breastfeeding Babies
Baby Basics Cereal
Beech-Nut Classics Cobblers
Full Circle Organic Desserts
Gerber 2nd Foods DHA
Happy Naturals Dinners
O Organics Grains Breastfeeding provides moms and babies
Tippy Toes or Tippy Toes Organic Meats with lifelong health benefits. WIC supports
Wild Harvest Organic Noodles or rice breastfeeding. The more you breastfeed,
Yummy Naturals Pouches the more WIC foods you receive!
Yummy Organics Stage 1 or Stage 3
You Can Choose
Any variety Formula
Combinations of fruits Only the brand, size, and type of formula printed on the WIC check
Combinations of vegetables is allowed. For information about WIC Approved Formulas, visit
Single fruit www.doh.wa.gov/wicformula, or call 1-800-841-1410.
Single vegetable
4 5
Breakfast Cereal Breakfast Cereal
Cold Breakfast Cereal APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Must Be Do Not Buy
Boxes, 11 OZ to 36 OZ Bags
Plain Cylinders
These brands and types: Added flavors, fruits, or spices
Cold Breakfast Cereal Added nuts or seeds
Bran Flakes:
Essential Everyday *
Food Club *
Great Value *
IGA *
Kroger *
Safeway *
Western Family *
Cheerios (Plain) *
Corn Chex
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes
Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats,
Unfrosted *
Hot Breakfast Cereal Kix (Plain)
Shopping Tip
Life (Plain)
Post Grape Nuts * You can choose instant oatmeal in
Post Grape Nuts Flakes * boxes containing individual packets
Rice Chex when “breakfast cereal” is printed
on the WIC check.
Wheat Chex *
Hot Breakfast Cereal
Cream of Wheat (1 minute,
2 ½ minute, 10 minute)
Instant oatmeal in boxes
containing individual packets:
Essential Everyday Original Flavor *
Great Value, Original *
IGA, Regular Flavor *
Shopping Tip: You can choose a combination of breakfast cereals up to the amount
of ounces (OZ) printed on the WIC check. Examples: Safeway, Regular Flavor *
Quaker Oats, Original *
Western Family, Regular Flavor *
WinCo Foods Original *
OR 17.3 OZ 18 OZ OR
* These breakfast cereals are good sources
= 36 OZ = 35.3 OZ = 36 OZ of whole grain and fiber.
6 7
Cheese Dried Beans/Peas/Lentils
APPROVED NOT APPROVED APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Must Be Do Not Buy Must Be Do Not Buy
16 OZ package when “1 LB cheese” Single-serve or individual packets Plain Boxes
is printed on the WIC check Added flavors, nuts, seeds, or spices Cans
Made from pasteurized cow’s milk Cheese from raw milk Added flavors, foods, or spices
Made in USA
You Can Choose
Cracker cut Barley
16 OZ bags
Plain Cream cheese Bean and rice mix
Bulk (sold by weight)
These types: Deli cheese Coffee beans
Any brand
Cheddar (mild, medium, or sharp, Diced, crumbled, cubed, cut, Dried refried beans
yellow or white ) Any variety
grated, shredded, or sliced Frozen
Colby Low sodium
DHA/ARA Gourmet style
Colby Jack Non organic or organic
Extra sharp cheddar Green beans
Monterey Jack Fresh mozzarella Jelly beans
Mozzarella Goat or sheep cheese Soup or soup mix
Imported Vanilla beans
Lactose free
Low or reduced cholesterol
Muenster
Organic
Parmesan Shopping Tip
Pepper Jack
Processed pasteurized American You can choose dried beans, peas,
Provolone and lentils or peanut butter.
You Can Choose See page 23 for information about
Queso fresco
8 OZ package only when “kosher peanut butter.
Ricotta
cheese” is printed on the WIC check String cheese
Two 16 OZ packages when “2 LB
Swiss
cheese” is printed on the WIC check
Unpasteurized
32 OZ package when “2 LB cheese”
is printed on the WIC check Vintage cheese
Any brand
Calcium and/or Vitamin D fortified
Fat free, lowfat, and reduced fat
Part skim or whole
Reduced sodium
8 9
Eggs Fish – Canned
APPROVED NOT APPROVED APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Must Be Do Not Buy Must Be Do Not Buy
12-count carton (1 dozen) Bulk Chunk light tuna in water, Foil bags
White, chicken eggs Brown eggs 5 OZ to 6 OZ Glass
Cage-free Pink salmon, 5 OZ to 14.75 OZ Plastic
DHA Cans Pouches
Dried Plain Snack packs
Duck eggs Added flavors, foods, or spices
Egg substitute products Albacore tuna
Extra-large or jumbo Dried
You Can Choose Fertile Fancy
Any brand Free-range Fillet
Small, medium, or large size Hard-boiled eggs Fresh
Liquid eggs Frozen
Low or reduced cholesterol You Can Choose Gourmet
Naturally-nested or other specialty Any brand Jack Mackerel
eggs Boneless Organic
Non-chicken eggs Low sodium Red salmon
Omega 3 Skinless Sardines
Organic Smoked
Pasteurized Solid or chunk white tuna
Powdered Specialty salmon or tuna steak
Reduced saturated fat Tongol tuna
Vegetarian Fed Yellowfin tuna
For Fully Breastfeeding Women
Shopping Tip: You can choose a combination of chunk light tuna and pink salmon
up to the amount of ounces (OZ) printed on the WIC check. Examples:
5 OZ + 5 OZ + 5 OZ +
OR 14.75 + 7.5 OZ + 5 OZ
5 OZ + 5 OZ + 5 OZ OZ
= 30 oz = 27.25 oz
10 11
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
APPROVED NOT APPROVED Want to know how much fruits and vegetables will cost?
Must Be Do Not Buy 1. Weigh an item, and round the weight up to the nearest ½ pound.
Fresh fruits Added dips, dressings, fats, or oils 2. Under the “price per pound” column, find the closest price per pound
of the item.
Fresh vegetables Added flavors, foods, or spices
3. Read across the row to find the cost based on the weight of the item.
Added juice, syrup, or water
4. Repeat these steps for each item.
Breaded, canned, cooked, creamed,
You Can Choose frozen, or soups
5. Add together each item’s cost to know about how much all of the fruits
Bags or packages and vegetables you plan to buy will cost.
Dried roll-ups and fruit leather
Bulk (sold by weight) Edible blossoms or flowers Price per
Plastic bowls, cups, tubs, or Fruit baskets pound 1 LB 1½ LB 2 LB 2½ LB 3 LB 3½ LB 4 LB 4½ LB 5 LB
clam shell containers (LB)
Herbs or spices, such as aloe vera,
Any brand anise, banana leaves, basil, bay $ 0.49 0.49 0.74 0.98 1.23 1.47 1.72 1.96 2.21 2.45
Any combination of fresh fruits leaves, caraway, chervil, chives, 0.59 0.59 0.89 1.18 1.48 1.77 2.07 2.36 2.66 2.95
and vegetables cilantro, corn husk, dill, fenugreek,
Any variety 0.69 0.69 1.04 1.38 1.73 2.07 2.42 2.76 3.11 3.45
horseradish, lemongrass, lime
Non organic or organic leaves, marjoram, mint, oregano, 0.79 0.79 1.19 1.58 1.98 2.37 2.77 3.16 3.56 3.95
Whole or cut parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, 0.89 0.89 1.34 1.78 2.23 2.67 3.12 3.56 4.01 4.45
tarragon, thyme, vanilla beans,
0.99 0.99 1.49 1.98 2.48 2.97 3.47 3.96 4.46 4.95
or wheatgrass
Ornamental or decorative items, 1.09 1.09 1.64 2.18 2.73 3.27 3.82 4.36 4.91 5.45
such as chili peppers, garlic on 1.19 1.19 1.79 2.38 2.98 3.57 4.17 4.76 5.36 5.95
string, gourds, carved or painted 1.29 1.29 1.94 2.58 3.23 3.87 4.52 5.16 5.81 6.45
pumpkins
1.39 1.39 2.09 2.78 3.48 4.17 4.87 5.56 6.26 6.95
Party trays, platters, or trays
Salad bar items 1.49 1.49 2.24 2.98 3.73 4.47 5.22 5.96 6.71 7.45
Sugar or sugar cane 1.59 1.59 2.39 3.18 3.98 4.77 5.57 6.36 7.16 7.95
1.69 1.69 2.54 3.38 4.23 5.07 5.92 6.76 7.61 8.45
1.79 1.79 2.69 3.58 4.48 5.37 6.27 7.16 8.06 8.95
1.89 1.89 2.84 3.78 4.73 5.67 6.62 7.56 8.51 9.45
1.99 1.99 2.99 3.98 4.98 5.97 6.97 7.96 8.96 9.95
2.09 2.09 3.14 4.18 5.23 6.27 7.32 8.36 9.41 10.45
2.19 2.19 3.29 4.38 5.48 6.57 7.67 8.76 9.86 10.95
2.29 2.29 3.44 4.58 5.73 6.87 8.02 9.16 10.31 11.45
2.39 2.39 3.59 4.78 5.98 7.17 8.37 9.56 10.76 11.95
2.49 2.49 3.74 4.98 6.23 7.47 8.72 9.96 11.21 12.45
2.59 2.59 3.89 5.18 6.48 7.77 9.07 10.36 11.66 12.95
2.69 2.69 4.04 5.38 6.73 8.07 9.42 10.76 12.11 13.45
2.79 2.79 4.19 5.58 6.98 8.37 9.77 11.16 12.56 13.95
2.89 2.89 4.34 5.78 7.23 8.67 10.12 11.56 13.01 14.45
12 13Juice for Women Juice for Women
Cans or Plastic Bottles (46 OZ) Cans or Plastic Bottles (46 OZ)
APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Apple Grape Must Be Do Not Buy
46 OZ cans or 46 OZ plastic bottles Cartons or glass bottles
These brands and types: Cider
Apple Cocktail
Great Value Apple Fruit juice blend
Tree Top 100% Apple Juice drink
Lemon
Grape Lemonade
Grapefruit Orange Welch’s 100% Grape Lime
Welch’s 100% White Grape Limeade
Organic
Grapefruit
Punch
Great Value Pink Grapefruit
Refrigerated
Great Value White Grapefruit
Texsun Ruby Red Grapefruit
Pineapple Orange
Texsun Orange
Shopping Tip
Pineapple
Dole Pineapple You can choose a combination of
Haggen Unsweetened Pineapple juice in 46 OZ cans, 46 OZ plastic
IGA Pineapple bottles, or frozen containers when
“2 juice” is printed on the WIC check.
Kroger Pineapple
Western Family Pineapple
Tomato and Vegetable
Tomato and Vegetable
Campbell’s Tomato
Haggen Tomato
Haggen Vegetable
IGA Tomato
Kroger Tomato
V8 100% Vegetable
V8 Essential Antioxidants
100% Vegetable
Western Family Tomato
Western Family Vegetable
14 15Juice for Women Juice for Women
Frozen (11.5 OZ or 12 OZ) Frozen (11.5 OZ or 12 OZ)
APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Apple Must Be Do Not Buy
11.5 OZ or 12 OZ frozen Cider
These brands and types: Cocktail
Apple Fruit juice blend
Essential Everyday Apple Juice drink
Fred Meyer Apple Lemon
Great Value 100% Apple Lemonade
IGA Apple Lime
Kroger 100% Apple Limeade
Old Orchard 100% Apple Organic
Safeway Apple Punch
Tree Top 100% Apple Refrigerated
Western Family 100% Apple
WinCo Foods Apple
Grape Grape
Essential Everyday Grape
Great Value 100% Grape
Shopping Tip
Old Orchard 100% Grape
Old Orchard 100% White Grape You can choose a combination of
Welch’s 100% Grape juice in frozen containers, 46 OZ
cans, or 46 OZ plastic bottles when
Welch’s 100% White Grape
“2 juice” is printed on the WIC check.
Western Family 100% Grape
Grapefruit
Any brand 100% grapefruit juice
Grapefruit Any brand Orange Any brand
Orange
Any brand 100% orange juice
Pineapple
Dole 100% Pineapple
Old Orchard 100% Pineapple
Pineapple
16 17Juice for Children Juice for Children
Plastic Bottles (64 OZ) Plastic Bottles (64 OZ)
APPROVED APPROVED
Apple Must Be Orange
64 OZ plastic bottles Any brand 100% Orange Juice
These brands and types: Some examples are listed
below:
Apple Big Tex
Essential Everyday Apple Essential Everyday
Haggen 100% Apple Golden Crown
IGA 100% Apple Langers
Kroger Apple Old Orchard
Nestle Juicy Juice Apple Safeway
Safeway 100% Juice Apple
Grape Tree Top 100% Apple
Western Family
Western Family 100% Apple Pineapple
WinCo Foods Apple Essential Everyday Pineapple
Langers 100% Pineapple
Grape Safeway 100% Pineapple
Essential Everyday Grape Western Family 100% Pineapple
Essential Everyday White Grape
Great Value 100% Grape
Great Value 100% White Grape
NOT APPROVED
Haggen 100% Grape
Haggen 100% White Grape Do Not Buy
IGA 100% Grape Cartons or glass bottles
IGA 100% White Grape Cider
Kroger Grape Cocktail
Kroger White Grape Fruit juice blend
Safeway 100% Grape Lemon
Safeway 100% White Grape Lemonade
Welch’s 100% Grape Lime
Welch’s 100% White Grape Limeade
Welch’s Red 100% Grape
Orange Any brand Pineapple Western Family 100% Grape
Organic
Punch
Western Family White Grape
Refrigerated
WinCo Foods Grape
WinCo Foods White Grape
18 19Milk Milk
Nonfat, 1%, 2%, and Whole Lactose Free
APPROVED APPROVED
Must Be You Can Choose Must Be You Can Choose
Only the type of milk printed on Combinations of half-gallons and Only the type of lactose free milk Combinations of half-gallons and
the WIC check gallons printed on the WIC check gallons
Plastic or paper containers Quarts only allowed when Plastic or paper containers Quarts only allowed when
Cow’s milk printed on the check Cow’s milk printed on the check
Homogenized Acidophilus Homogenized Lactose free nonfat milk or lactose
Any brand free 1% milk when “Lactose free
Nonfat, 1%, and 2% fortified with Lactose free nonfat, 1%, and 2%
Vitamins A and D Calcium-fortified milk fortified with Vitamins A and D 1% or less milk” is printed on the
Fat free WIC check
Pasteurized Lactose free whole milk
Kosher fortified with Vitamin D Acidophilus
Plain, unflavored
Lactobacillus Any brand
Refrigerated Pasteurized
Lowfat Calcium-fortified
Whole milk fortified with Vitamin D Plain, unflavored
Probiotics Fat free
Refrigerated
Reduced fat Kosher
Skim milk with added thickeners,
Lactobacillus
such as Creamy Fat Free, Skim
Supreme
NOT APPROVED
Shopping Tip: You can combine two half-gallons for a gallon. Examples: See page 22.
Dry
APPROVED
Must Be You Can Choose
=
Only dry milk when printed Boxes, cylinders, plastic bags, or
on the WIC check pouches
Dry nonfat, 1%, and 2% milk 2%, 1%, nonfat, or whole dry milk
fortified with Vitamins A and D Any brand
Dry whole milk fortified with Calcium-fortified
Vitamin D Kosher
Mixes to 1 quart of milk or more
Cow’s milk
=
Homogenized
Pasteurized
Plain, unflavored
NOT APPROVED NOT APPROVED
See page 22. See page 22.
20 21Milk Peanut Butter
Evaporated APPROVED NOT APPROVED
APPROVED Must Be Do Not Buy
Must Be You Can Choose 16 OZ to 18 OZ jar Bulk
12 OZ can 2%, 1%, fat free, nonfat, or whole Plain Added flavors, foods, or spices
Only evaporated milk when evaporated milk Added oils, such as flax or safflower
printed on the WIC check Any brand DHA/ARA
Cow’s milk Calcium-fortified Chocolate
Evaporated nonfat, 1%, and 2% Kosher Freshly ground or grind-it-yourself
milk fortified with Vitamins A and D Gourmet
Evaporated whole milk fortified Honey
with Vitamin D You Can Choose
Jelly
Homogenized Any brand
Low-carb peanut butter spread
Pasteurized Creamy or smooth
Low-glycemic
Plain, unflavored Chunky or extra chunky
Marshmallows
Crunchy or extra crunchy
NOT APPROVED Natural spread
Low sodium
Nut or seed butters, such as
See list below. Natural peanut butter almond, cashew, sesame, soy,
No stir or stir sunflower, or tahini
Salted or unsalted Omega 3
NOT APPROVED FOR ALL TYPES OF MILK Organic
Do Not Buy Powdered
Added flavors, foods, or spices Low-carb dairy beverage Reduced fat
Pints, half-pints, or smaller Non homogenized Roasted honey nut
Glass bottles Omega 3 Single-serve or slices
Single-serve or individual packets Organic Spread
Bulk powdered milk Other animal milk, such as goat “Squeeze It” tubes
Buttermilk or sheep Valencia
Chocolate milk Raw milk Vitamin E
DHA/ARA Soy milk or beverage
Half and half Sweetened condensed milk
Hemp, nut, rice, or other grain UHT containers
beverages Unpasteurized milk
Kefir Whipping cream Shopping Tip
You can choose dried beans, peas,
and lentils or peanut butter. See
page 9 for information about dried
beans, peas, and lentils.
22 23Soy Beverage Tofu
APPROVED NOT APPROVED APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Must Be Do Not Buy Must Be Do Not Buy
These brands and types: Almond, coconut, hemp, or rice 16 OZ container Added flavors, foods, or spices
8th Continent Original Soymilk milk Calcium-set Baked, cubed, or sliced
8th Continent Vanilla Soymilk Blends or creamers Plain Dessert tofu
Half-gallon containers 8th Continent Complete Vanilla Non refrigerated
Refrigerated 8th Continent Light Chocolate These brands and types:
Pacific Ultra Soy Original 8th Continent Light Original Azumaya Extra Firm
Pacific Ultra Soy Vanilla Azumaya Firm
8th Continent Light Vanilla
32 OZ (quart) containers
Pacific organic Unsweetened Azumaya Silken
Non refrigerated
Pacific Select Soy Original House Foods Extra Firm
Silk Original Soymilk
Half-gallon containers Pacific Select Soy Vanilla House Foods Firm
32 OZ (quart) containers Non refrigerated Silk Soymilk House Foods Medium Firm
Twin pack of half-gallon Silk Chocolate O Organic Silken
containers Silk DHA Omega-3 O Organic Sprouted Extra Firm
Refrigerated Silk Light Chocolate
Silk Light Original You Can Choose
Silk Light Vanilla Non organic or organic
Silk Organic Original Refrigerated
Silk Organic Unsweetened
Silk Organic Vanilla
Silk Vanilla
Silk Very Vanilla
Shopping Tip
You can buy quarts, half-gallons,
or a combination when “quart(s)
soy beverage” is printed on the
WIC check.
24 25Whole Grain Choices Whole Grain Choices
Bulgur
Shopping Tip
Whole Grain Choices: APPROVED NOT APPROVED
You can choose a combination Must Be Do Not Buy
• Brown Rice of whole grain choices up to the
Plain Added flavors, foods, or spices
• Bulgur amount of ounces (OZ) printed on
Grits
• Oatmeal the WIC check.
Quinoa
• Soft Tortillas You Can Choose
• Whole Wheat Pasta 16 OZ to 32 OZ bags or boxes
• 100% Whole Wheat Bread Bulk (sold by weight)
Any brand
Non organic or organic
Oatmeal
Brown Rice APPROVED NOT APPROVED
APPROVED NOT APPROVED
Must Be Do Not Buy
Plain Added flavors, foods, or spices
Must Be Do Not Buy
Boxes with individual packets
Plain Added flavors, foods, or spices
Granola
Basmati, black, jasmine,
Grits
mahogany, white, or wild
Metal cylinders
Boil-in-Bag
Pouches
Boxes You Can Choose
Quinoa
Gourmet 16 OZ to 32 OZ bags or boxes
You Can Choose Grits Bulk (sold by weight)
16 OZ to 32 OZ bags Mixed rice Cardboard cylinders
Bulk (sold by weight) Quinoa Any brand
Any brand Gluten free Shopping Tip
Gluten free Instant or quick You can choose oatmeal in bags,
Long grain or short grain Non organic or organic boxes, bulk, or cardboard cylinders
Instant or regular Old-fashioned or regular when “whole grain choices” is
Non organic or organic Rolled or steel-cut printed on the WIC check.
26 27Whole Grain Choices Whole Grain Choices
Soft Tortillas Whole Wheat Pasta
APPROVED NOT APPROVED APPROVED APPROVED
Must Be Do Not Buy Must Be Some types:
8 OZ to 32 OZ packages Added flavors, foods, or spices 8 OZ to 32 OZ bags or boxes Angel hair
White corn soft tortillas 96% whole wheat Whole wheat Bows
Yellow corn soft tortillas Chips, taco salad bowls, taco shells, Plain Egg noodles
Whole wheat soft tortillas tostada, or any other hard tortillas Elbow
Low carb You Can Choose Fettuccine
Plain
Mixed-grain tortillas, such as corn Any type Fusilli
You Can Choose and wheat together Non organic or organic Lasagna
Low sodium Red corn Linguine
Non organic or organic Sprouted wheat These brands only:
Macaroni
Store-made Barilla 100% Whole Wheat
Penne
These brands and types: Tortillas with “light” or “lite” on Best Yet Whole Wheat
Rigate
Celia’s White Corn the label Da Vinci 100% Whole Wheat
Rotini
Celia’s Whole Wheat Wraps Essential Everyday Whole Wheat
Shell
Carlita Corn Full Circle Organic Whole Wheat
Spaghetti
Don Pancho 6” White Corn Great Value 100% Whole Wheat
Spirals
Don Pancho 6” Yellow Corn Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat
Vermicelli
Don Pancho White or Yellow Corn Kroger 100% Whole Wheat
Ziti
Garden of Eatin’ Organic Whole Natural Directions Organic
Wheat Whole Wheat NOT APPROVED
Great Value Corn Market Pantry 100% Whole Wheat Do Not Buy
Guerrero 100% Whole Wheat O Organics 100% Whole Wheat Added flavors, foods, or seasonings
Guerrero White or Yellow Corn Simple Truth Organic Whole 51% whole grain or whole wheat
La Banderita White Corn Wheat
Buckwheat
La Banderita Whole Wheat Western Family Whole Wheat
Bulk
La Burrita 8” Yellow Corn Fresh
Mission White Corn – Super Size Gluten free
Mission Yellow Corn – Extra Thin Mixed grain
Mission Yellow Corn – Super Size Multi-colored
Mission Whole Wheat Refrigerated
Ortega Whole Wheat Rice pasta
Pepito White Corn Semolina
Pepito Whole Wheat Vegetable
Tia Rosa White Corn Whole grain
Tia Rosa Yellow Corn Taco Size
28 29Whole Grain Choices Information for WIC Retailers
100% Whole Wheat Bread
APPROVED NOT APPROVED WIC Customer Identification
Must Be Do Not Buy
1. The name of the person using the WIC check must be printed
16 OZ to 32 OZ packages Added flavors, foods, or spices
below the customer signature box on the check and match
100% whole wheat (printed on Artisan or gourmet (bread baked
the label) in small batches) the identification (ID).
Loaf, plain, sliced Breads not wrapped in plastic 2. Identification must be shown when a WIC check is used.
Breads with “light” or “lite” on 3. A WIC Appointment/ID folder with the printed name and
You Can Choose the label
Any brand signature of the person using the check is all the identification
Bagels needed.
Low sodium
DHA
Non organic or organic 4. If the WIC customer does not
English muffins
Extra fiber have their WIC Appointment/ID
folder, or if it does not have their
French
printed name and signature, use
Frozen or refrigerated dough
other types of ID such as:
Gluten free
Hamburger buns • Driver’s License
Hotdog buns • Military ID
Multigrain • State ID card
Sourdough • Tribal ID card
Sprouted wheat
5. WIC checks must be signed in
Store made
the presence of the checker and
Uncooked bread mixes
after the actual purchase price
Unsliced is written on the check.
Shopping Tip 6. If the check is signed before
Here are some examples: Haggen Stone Ground it is presented to the checker,
Albertsons 100% Whole Wheat Open Nature 100% Whole Wheat the WIC check cannot be used.
Country Oven Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat
Essential Everyday Oroweat Soft 100% Whole Wheat
Franz 100% Whole Wheat QFC 100% Whole Wheat
Roman Meal All Natural
Franz 100% Stone Ground
Safeway Kitchens
Franz Big Horn Valley All Natural
Sara Lee Classic Round Top
Franz Big Horn Valley Organic
Sara Lee Hearty & Delicious
Franz Oregon Trail Sara Lee Delightful 100% Whole
Fred Meyer 100% Whole Wheat Wheat with Honey 45 Calorie
Fred Meyer Tender Twist Sara Lee Soft & Smooth
Great Value 100% Whole Wheat The Bread Garden 100% Stone
Haggen 100% Whole Wheat Ground
30 31Information for WIC Retailers Information for WIC Retailers
Important Points to Remember at the Helpful Information for Checkers
Check Stand We value our relationship with you! Because we work together, your
store, families, and our communities benefit. Studies show WIC clients
WIC customers:
spend an additional $3 to $4 at the store for every WIC dollar spent.
• Can decide if they want to buy all or some of the foods up to the Each time you create positive shopping experiences for WIC customers,
amounts printed on the check. you help ensure moms and kids have the nutritious foods they need to
be healthy at critical times in their lives.
• Can only buy WIC approved foods printed on the check.
No substitutions are allowed. Your store has a contract with the Department of Health to accept WIC
checks. The contract has many requirements that add to the challenges
• Can use manufacturer and store coupons, and loyalty cards.
of your already demanding job. We’re here to support you!
• Are entitled to store promotions offered to all customers (for
example: buy one, get one free). The “buy one” food must be WIC Did you know?
approved. The “get one free” does not have to be WIC approved. We offer training resources and materials to help you build your
knowledge of WIC foods and skills that can ensure smooth interactions
• Cannot accept rainchecks, or come back to the store to get the items with customers. We count on you to identify WIC approved foods and
not purchased if you already completed the transaction. process WIC transactions correctly.
• Cannot use WIC checks to pay a bill or an account that they have You are the first person WIC customers typically encounter in the store.
at your store. Your treatment of customers influences their attitudes and choice of
• Cannot use pre-signed WIC checks. Use your best customer service where to shop. Your attention to detail helps guarantee that your store
is reimbursed for WIC purchases and promotes customer loyalty.
skills to explain why you cannot accept a pre-signed WIC check.
Tell the WIC customer they can take the check back to their WIC We all deserve some privacy. Many customers are sensitive about using
clinic for help or more information. WIC checks. If you need assistance with the transaction, do not announce
it is for a WIC transaction. Please do not share customer information with
• Can only exchange outdated, spoiled, damaged, or defective foods coworkers, other customers, friends, extended family of customers, or
for the same product. your own family.
• Cannot receive cash, coupons, tokens, or any item with a dollar It is important to sell only WIC approved foods and correctly process WIC
value for returned foods. transactions. Mistakes are costly to you and your employer. Errors may
• May ask you to order a WIC approved food (for example, soy result in repayments, fines, or termination as an approved WIC retailer.
beverage). Remember the customer needs to wait to use the check We expect WIC customers to treat store employees with politeness.
until you have the requested item. Paying for the food with a WIC We expect store employees to treat WIC customers with the same respect
check, and coming back to the store to pick it up is not allowed. and courtesy as they would treat any other customer.
• Must sign the WIC check after the checker enters the purchase price. Sometimes WIC is confusing. There are a lot of rules for customers and
No signature, no payment. retailers. Sometimes the approved foods are very specific to the brand,
type, or size, and other times, they are not. Use your best customer
• Can use cash, credit, debit, EBT, or other acceptable payments to pay service skills to help customers select the correct items and learn which
the extra amount not covered on the WIC Fruit and Vegetable check. foods to select. We, and your customers, appreciate your patience and
• Must receive the same great customer service you extend to all understanding.
customers. Thank you for your continued commitment to serving Washington
WIC families. You make a difference!
32 3334
How to Take a WIC Check
1 Getting Started
• Process each WIC check as a separate transaction. • Refuse the check if it is already signed, the customer
• Ask for the check and the customer’s ID. has no ID, the customer’s name is not printed below the
signature box, or if the check is altered (for example, if dates
• The name on the ID must match one of the names or quantities are changed).
printed below the signature box.
• Use a black or dark blue ink pen when writing on the WIC
• Put a check mark in the box next to the customer’s name. check. Write clearly. Do not use colored ink pens or gel pens.
2 Check the dates carefully 4 Total the sale
• Do not take checks before the “First Day To Use“ or after • Deduct the value of coupons before writing the total
the “Last Day To Use.” amount of the sale in the “Actual Purchase Price” box.
• Write today’s date in the “Transaction Date” box. • If you make a mistake when you write the total purchase
amount, you can correct it. Follow these steps:
3 Sell only WIC approved foods, and the right amount • Draw one line through the incorrect amount.
of food • Clearly write the correct amount in or close to the box,
• Ring up the food printed on the check. and write your initials close to the new amount.
• Make sure the customer selected only WIC approved • Do not write or scribble over numbers, use white out,
foods. Refuse to sell foods that are not WIC approved. or try to erase the incorrect amount.
• Look at the number of items and quantities printed 5 Finish the sale with their signature
on the check and sell up to those amounts. It is not a
requirement for WIC customers to buy everything on • Have the customer sign the check in the signature box
their check. after you complete the “Actual Purchase Price” box.
• The customer must sign every check in your presence.
• Ask them to return the check to you.
• Review the check to be sure it has:
• Valid dates
• Correct “Actual Purchase Price” entered
• Customer’s signature
If you have questions about WIC checks,
call 1-800-841-1410.
3536 Retail Checkers
How to Take WIC Fruit and Vegetable Checks
1 Getting Started
• WIC customers may combine more than one WIC Fruit • Refuse the check if it is already signed, the customer
and Vegetable check in a single transaction. has no ID, the customer’s name is not printed below the
• Ask for the check and the customer’s ID. signature box, or if the check is altered (for example, if dates
or quantities are changed).
• The name on the ID must match one of the names
printed below the signature box. • Use a black or dark blue ink pen when writing on the WIC
check. Write clearly. Do not use colored ink pens or gel pens.
• Put a check mark in the box next to the customer’s name.
2 Check the dates carefully Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Quest card, debit or
• Do not take checks before the “First Day To Use“ or credit card, check, or cash. If they pay with cash, they
after the “Last Day To Use.” can receive change.
• Write today’s date in the “Transaction Date” box. • If you make a mistake, you can correct it. Follow these
steps:
3 Sell only WIC approved fruits and vegetables • Draw one line through the incorrect amount.
• Clearly write the correct amount in or close to the box,
• This guide has information on WIC approved fruits
and write your initials close to the new amount.
and vegetables (see page 12).
• Do not write or scribble over numbers, use white out,
• We encourage WIC customers to buy the full value or try to erase the incorrect amount.
of the check, but it is not a requirement.
5 Finish the sale with their signature
4 Total the sale
• Have the customer sign the check in the signature box
• If the purchase amount is less than the value of the after you complete the “Actual Purchase Price” box.
check, write the purchase amount in the “Actual
Purchase Price” box. For example, if the value of the • The customer must sign every check in your presence.
check is $8.00, and the total purchase amount is $4.50, • Ask them to return the check to you.
write in $4.50.
• Review the check to be sure it has:
• If the purchase is more than the value of the check, • Valid dates
write the dollar value of the check in the “Actual
• Correct “Actual Purchase Price” entered
Purchase Price” box. For example, if the value of the
check is $8.00, and their total purchase is $9.00, the • Customer’s signature
amount you write on the check is $8.00. The customer
pays the additional dollar themselves, using a Washington If you have questions about WIC checks,
call 1-800-841-1410.
37Washington State Department of Health
WIC Nutrition Program
1- 800-841-1410
www.doh.wa.gov/WICfoods
We create opportunities for people with limited resources to
make healthy nutrition choices. We support healthy eating,
breastfeeding, access to healthy foods, and physical activity.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Washington State WIC Nutrition Program
does not discriminate.
DOH 960-278 July 2015
For persons with disabilities, this document is available on request in other formats.
To submit a request, please call 1-800 - 841-1410 (TDD/TTY 711).You can also read
