Pennsylvania WIC Approved Foods

Pennsylvania WIC publishes an approved food list covering milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, beans and legumes, canned fish, and infant formula, aligned with USDA's updated WIC food package rules that took effect in 2026. The current list is available at pawic.com and through the WICShopper app in English and Spanish.

Pennsylvania WIC Food Package Overview

Milk and dairy: whole milk for children under 2 and low-fat or nonfat options for older children and women, plus cheese, yogurt, and soy beverage.

Whole grains: bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, and — as part of USDA's 2026 food package update — whole wheat tortillas, measured in ounces so households can mix and match approved grain products to reach their monthly allowance.

Beans, legumes, and protein: dried and canned beans, lentils, split peas, tofu, peanut butter, and canned tuna, salmon, or sardines for breastfeeding participants.

Fruits and vegetables: fresh, frozen, and canned produce of any brand or variety, purchased with the monthly Cash Value Benefit.

Infant formula: Pennsylvania manages a competitive bid contract for infant formula. The contract brand is issued by default, and medical documentation from a healthcare provider is required for non-contract or specialized formulas.

Cash Value Benefit for Fruits and Vegetables

Every participant receives a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) to buy fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables of any brand: $26 a month for children, $48 for pregnant or postpartum participants, and $52 for breastfeeding participants. These amounts are set federally and apply nationwide. Benefits do not roll over month to month, so use them before the end of each benefit period.

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Pennsylvania's WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) gives pregnant and postpartum women, infants six months and older, and children paper checks to spend on locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at over 1,000 participating market and farm stand sites statewide. Checks are distributed by local WIC agencies and can be used between June 1 and November 30 each year.

Shopping Tips for Pennsylvania WIC

Use the WICShopper app to scan barcodes and confirm an item is approved before checkout. Your Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card works at authorized grocery stores statewide — find one near you with the store locator at pawic.com. If you suspect WIC benefit fraud, call the WIC Hotline at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467).