Louisiana WIC Approved Foods
Below is the list of Louisiana WIC eligible foods based off of federal requirements. This state must use these requirements when creating the Louisiana WIC food list. The following foods must comply with the FDA standards of identity:
- Infant formula
- Exempt infant formula
- Milks
- Cheese
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Shell eggs
- Canned/frozen fruits and vegetables
- Whole wheat bread
- Canned fish
- Peanut butter
As a reminder, when going shopping at your local WIC approved grocery store, bring your WIC ID folder along with your paper checks/vouchers or if your state is using the eWIC system, bring your Louisiana WIC EBT Card. You should also bring the Louisiana WIC approved food list which you can view the list below or download here. This will further help you determine what items you can purchase.
If you do not see the food items you are looking to purchase with your LA WIC benefits, or if you have additional questions or issues, then we recommend you contact the Louisiana WIC program for further assistance.
Louisiana WIC Food List
Below is the WIC approved food list for Louisiana. You can click on one of the images shown below to see the full list of items for that specific page. You can click on the left and right arrows to scroll through the available pages.
Regulatory Requirements for WIC-Eligible Foods
The following list provides the Federal requirements for WIC-eligible foods. The LA WIC program is required to authorize container sizes that provide the full maximum monthly allowance of foods without exceeding the maximum. Click a food category below to view the types and requirements for that food category.
Louisiana WIC Food FAQ's
Does WIC help with diapers?
No. You cannot use your WIC benefits to purchase diapers. This is not about food, but a lot of people ask this question.
Are organic foods WIC eligible?
Some organic forms of WIC-eligible foods (Ex: milk, eggs, cheese) meet the nutritional requirements set forth in WIC regulations and are therefore authorized. However, the Louisiana WIC program is responsible for determining the brands and types of foods to authorize on their WIC approved food lists. Some state agencies may allow organic foods on their foods lists, but this will vary.
The decision may be influenced by a number of factors such as cost, product distribution within a state, and WIC participant acceptance. Organic fruits and vegetables purchased via the WIC cash-value voucher are authorized. There are no state agency discretion to disallow them. The cashvalue voucher may be redeemed for any WIC-eligible fruit and vegetable.
How does the WIC serve participants who have food allergies/intolerances?
The Louisiana WIC Program works hard to serve a large population that has various nutritional needs, including food allergies/intolerances. However, the foods eligible for the WIC food packages must meet nutritional requirements set by Federal regulations. If a participant has food allergies, the Louisiana WIC staff may tailor food packages to better meet the participant's individual needs.
Types and quantities of foods in the food package may be adjusted to meet individual dietary needs. For example, if a child on the Louisiana WIC program is allergic to peanut butter, dried beans/peas may be substituted for the peanut butter. If a pregnant woman on WIC is lactose-intolerant, lactose-reduced milk or soybased beverage may be substituted. If an infant on WIC has a medical condition requiring an exempt infant formula, the participant may receive such a formula with appropriate medical documentation.
Are artificial sweeteners allowed?
Federal WIC regulations do not prohibit foods that contain artificial sweeteners. However, the Louisiana WIC program is responsible for determining the brands and types of foods to authorize on their WIC approved food lists. Some state agencies may allow foods sweetened with artificial sweeteners on their foods lists, but this will vary from state to state.
Can a state agency authorize only fresh fruits and vegetables?
Yes. Both fresh fruits and fresh vegetables must be authorized by state agencies. However, if the state agency chooses to only authorize fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, it must assure that such a decision would not adversely impact participants, such as situations where droughts limit availability of produce and homeless individuals who may have no ability to properly store fresh produce. The state agency must also consider the impact such a decision would have on small vendors.
Are fruit and vegetable party platters allowed?
No. A party tray is a platter of fresh fruits and/or vegetables (with or without dips) as something that is marketed as a prepared party tray, meant to be purchased and served to a group of people at a gathering or a party. Party trays are not allowed to be purchased with the cash-value voucher.
Is rice beverage WIC eligible?
Rice-based beverages are not authorized milk substitutes in the LA WIC Program. Soy-based beverages that meet the Federal WIC nutrient requirements are authorized at the state agency's option.
Are lactose-reduced and lactose-free milk allowed?
These milks are allowed at state agency option. They do not require medical documentation.
Are flavored soy-based beverages that meet the nutrient standards allowed?
Yes.
Are WIC participants able to choose the brand of infant formula for their infant?
WIC state agencies are responsible for identifying the types and brands of infant formulas that are authorized for use in their WIC Programs. The Federal regulations that govern the LA WIC Program outline the minimum requirements for WIC eligible infant formula. WIC state agencies are required to have a competitively bid, solesource rebate contract with a manufacturer of infant formulas.
Under such an agreement, most healthy WIC infants may be provided either a milk-based or soy-based iron-fortified infant formula produced by the manufacturer awarded the contract. In turn, WIC state agencies receive a rebate per can of infant formula issued to a WIC infant. Infants who have special dietary needs are provided an appropriate alternative formula, in accordance with state WIC policies and Federal regulations. WIC rebate contracts and policies vary by state, therefore the types and brands of infant formula will vary by state.
If a WIC participant has a special dietary need, what does WIC require to receive an exempt infant formula or WIC eligible nutritional?
Medical documentation is required for the issuance of exempt infant formulas and WIC eligible nutritionals. Medical documentation means a determination by a licensed health care professional authorized to write medical prescriptions under state law that the participant has a qualifying condition that dictates the use of these formulas because the use of conventional foods is precluded or restricted. WIC state agencies are responsible for using Federal WIC regulations to determine the eligibility of exempt infant formulas and WIC eligible nutritionals for their state WIC food lists.
State agencies also determine the qualifying conditions that require the use of an exempt infant formula or WIC eligible nutritionals. Only those formulas appearing on the state WIC food list may be issued to WIC participants. Please contact the Louisiana WIC program to learn about the exempt infant formulas and WIC eligible nutritionals authorized on their food list, and their policy for providing non-contract brand of infant formulas to participants.