WIC Food Package Policy Options, II

The report highlights changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) resulting from the implementation of the Interim and Final Food Package Rule. These rules established the contents of the seven WIC food packages designed to safeguard the health of low- income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children who are at nutritional risk. The goal of this report was (1) examine policy options and food allowances implemented by WIC State agencies (WIC SAs) in response to the Final Rule; (2) assess the changes WIC SAs made between the interim and final rules; and (3) discuss strategies used by WIC SAs to contain program costs. The report also illustrates the foods available to WIC participants across the nation and variation in food package policies across state agencies. The data were compiled from WIC State Plans, WIC state agency food lists, and other WIC materials in fiscal year 2015.