District of Columbia WIC Approved Foods
Once you're approved for District of Columbia WIC, your benefits are loaded monthly onto a WIC card that works like a debit card at authorized stores. Here's what's covered, how to check whether a specific brand or item is approved, and how the cash-value benefit for fruits and vegetables works.
This site is an independent, non-government WIC directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
District of Columbia WIC covers the same national food categories as every state — milk, eggs, cereal, whole grains, fruits and vegetables (via a cash-value benefit), juice, beans, and infant formula — but the specific approved brands, sizes, and quantities are set by the DC Health. See the full District of Columbia list below.
Approved WIC Foods in District of Columbia
DC WIC food benefits are loaded onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized grocery stores and pharmacies throughout the District. The full DC WIC Approved Product List is available at dcwic.org/foods-formulas. Use the free EzWIC app to scan barcodes in the store and confirm whether a specific item is approved before you buy — approved foods include milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, whole grains, peanut butter and other nut and seed butters, beans, canned fish, and infant formula and foods.
The Fruit and Vegetable Benefit
Every participant receives a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) loaded onto their eWIC card to buy fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables without added sugar, salt, or oil. The current monthly CVB is $26 for children, $48 for pregnant or postpartum participants, and $52 for breastfeeding participants. Benefits do not roll over month to month, so use them before the end of each benefit period.
Farmers' Market Benefits
DC WIC participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), giving eligible participants seasonal paper benefits — currently $30 — to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at authorized farmers' markets across the District. Benefits are distributed at DC WIC clinics each season; ask your clinic for current distribution dates and a list of participating markets, or check the DC farmers' market map. DC also offers WIC farmers' market home delivery through a local grocery partner for participants who can't easily get to a market in person.
Shopping Tips for DC WIC
Use the EzWIC app to scan barcodes at checkout and instantly confirm whether an item is approved, and to check your remaining balance by category. Look for WIC shelf tags at participating stores, and check dcwic.org for the current authorized vendor and store list before you shop. If an item won't scan as approved, check the Approved Product List or ask your WIC clinic for help — or contact DC WIC at info.wic@dc.gov.
District of Columbia WIC Approved Food Questions
How much is the DC WIC Cash Value Benefit for fruits and vegetables each month?
The monthly Cash Value Benefit is $26 for children, $48 for pregnant or postpartum participants, and $52 for breastfeeding participants. Benefits do not roll over month to month, so use them before the end of each benefit period.
Can DC WIC participants use their benefits at farmers' markets?
Yes. DC WIC participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), providing eligible participants with seasonal benefits — currently $30 — to buy fresh, locally grown produce and cut herbs at authorized farmers' markets. Benefits are distributed at your WIC clinic each season, and home delivery is also available.
How do I check if a specific item is approved under DC WIC?
Use the free EzWIC app to scan barcodes in the store and confirm whether an item is approved, or check the DC WIC Approved Product List at dcwic.org/foods-formulas. If an item won't scan, ask your local clinic or email info.wic@dc.gov for help.
Compare Other States
Approved foods, brands, and package sizes are set state by state. These share District of Columbia's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
What Is WIC?
An overview of the WIC program, who administers it, and how it works.
Learn more →WIC Eligibility
The four requirements to qualify for WIC — categorical status, income, nutritional risk, and residency.
Learn more →WIC vs SNAP
Compare who qualifies, what benefits are provided, and whether you can receive both programs.
Learn more →WIC Income Limits
See the current household income limits to qualify for WIC, and what counts as income.
Learn more →WIC Benefit Amounts
The exact dollar and quantity breakdown of the monthly WIC food package by participant category.
Learn more →WIC EBT Card
How to use your WIC EBT card at the store, check your balance, and what to do if it's declined.
Learn more →WIC Approved Foods
Browse WIC-covered foods by category, from milk and eggs to fruits, vegetables, and formula.
Learn more →Find a WIC Clinic
Search WIC clinic locations by state and city, with addresses and phone numbers.
Learn more →WIC Recertification
When your WIC certification expires, what to bring to your renewal appointment, and how to avoid a gap in benefits.
Learn more →