North Carolina WIC Approved Foods

North Carolina updated its WIC food packages in early 2026 to allow more choice and variety — including new yogurt and tofu options — and the NC WIC Shopping Guide was refreshed to match. The current shopping guide is available in English and Spanish at ncdhhs.gov/ncwic.

North Carolina WIC Food Package Overview

Dairy and alternatives: Milk, cheese, yogurt, tofu, and soy-based beverage are included in North Carolina's food packages — ask your WIC nutritionist about adding soy beverage or tofu to your benefits.

Whole grains: Approved options include whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and soft corn or whole-wheat tortillas. Your monthly grain benefit is measured in ounces, so you can mix and match approved products.

Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and canned options are covered under the monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB).

Protein: Dried or canned beans, peas, lentils, peanut butter, and eggs are approved. Fully breastfeeding participants also receive chunk-light tuna or salmon.

Infant foods: Formula, cereal, and — for fully breastfed infants — fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Special formulas: Available for women and children with qualifying medical conditions, with a prescription from a physician or health care provider.

Cash Value Benefit for Fruits and Vegetables

Every North Carolina WIC participant receives a monthly Cash Value Benefit to buy fruits and vegetables at authorized stores: $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 Nutrition Program

North Carolina's WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) gives eligible participants — children ages 2 to 4 and pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women — a one-time $30 seasonal benefit to buy fresh, North Carolina-grown fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers' markets. Benefits are issued between May and September each year and must be used within 30 days of issuance. Ask your local WIC agency for a list of participating markets, or check the current season's dates at ncdhhs.gov/ncfmnp.

Shopping with NC eWIC

Your NC eWIC card works at authorized retail grocery stores and pharmacies statewide. Self-checkout availability for eWIC transactions varies by retailer — when in doubt, use a staffed lane. Manage your eWIC benefits, check your balance, set your PIN, or replace a lost card through the free ebtEDGE app or at ebtEDGE.com, or call eWIC customer service at 1-844-230-0813. Nutrition education visits can often be completed online at wichealth.org, reducing in-person clinic trips after certification.