Virginia WIC Approved Foods

Virginia WIC Food List

Virginia WIC publishes an annual food list updated each program year. The current 2024 WIC Food List is available in English and Spanish at vdh.virginia.gov/wic-participants. The Approved Product List (APL) in Excel format is available on the Virginia WIC retailer website and is updated throughout the year — the static food list PDF may not reflect every current addition.

Virginia WIC Food Packages by Category

Virginia WIC food packages vary by participant category. Each category has its own prescribed amounts:

Fully Breastfeeding Women receive the most generous food package — additional foods to support milk production including canned fish, juice, and higher quantities of other staples.

Pregnant Women receive a package tailored to prenatal nutrition needs including milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, whole grains, juice, beans, and peanut butter.

Postpartum Women (non-breastfeeding) receive a reduced package for six months after delivery.

Children ages 12–23 months receive whole milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, whole grains, juice, fruits and vegetables, and beans or peanut butter.

Children ages 2–5 years receive low-fat milk options, cheese, eggs, cereal, whole grains, juice, fruits and vegetables, and beans or peanut butter.

Infants receive formula, baby cereal, and baby food based on age and feeding method. Fully breastfed infants receive baby food meats in addition to standard infant foods.

Milk and Dairy Alternatives

Cow's milk is approved in gallon, half-gallon, and quart containers from any WIC-eligible national or store brand. Organic milk is not approved. Lactose-free milk is approved in 96 oz., half-gallon, and quart sizes from WIC-approved national and store brands.

Soy milk in Virginia is limited to three specific brands and package sizes:

• 8th Continent Soy — 64 oz., refrigerated, original or vanilla flavor
• Pacific Natural Foods Ultra Soy — 32 oz., shelf stable, original or vanilla flavor
• Silk — 32 oz. shelf stable (original only); 64 oz. refrigerated (original only); or 64 oz. 2-pack/128 oz. refrigerated (original only)

Almond, coconut, cashew, rice, goat, and kefir milks are not approved. Light or fat-free soy milk is not approved. Sweetened or flavored varieties beyond original and vanilla are not approved.

Eggs

Virginia WIC approves one dozen eggs per benefit, any size, white or brown shells, grade A or AA, from any WIC-approved national or store brand. Organic, cage-free, free-range, Omega-3-enriched, and Eggland's Best eggs are not approved. Egg substitutes are not approved.

Cheese

Cheese must be 16 oz. (1 lb.) prepackaged in block, sliced, or string form only — shredded, cubed, deli-sliced, and individually wrapped slices are not approved. Approved varieties are American, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella (whole or part-skim), Swiss, and String Cheese. Regular, reduced-fat, fat-free, and low-sodium versions of those varieties are all eligible. Organic, imported, smoked, and imitation cheese are not approved. Blended cheese food and cheese spreads are not approved.

Yogurt

Yogurt must be a 32 oz. container in plain or vanilla flavor only. Greek yogurt is allowed in plain or vanilla — this is a Virginia-specific approval not available in all states. Fat level (whole, low-fat, or nonfat) is set by your food prescription. Organic, specialty, drinkable, and pouch yogurt formats are not approved. Yogurt with added granola, honey, nuts, candy, or fruit on the bottom is not approved. Artificial sweeteners are not allowed.

Whole Grains

Virginia WIC approves four whole grain categories, all in 16 oz. (1 lb.) packages only. Organic varieties are not approved in any whole grain category.

• Bread: 100% whole wheat loaves only. Approved brands include Best Choice, Bimbo, Food Lion, Nature's Own (Whole Wheat w/Honey), Pepperidge Farm (Very Thin 100% Whole Wheat), Roman Meal, Sara Lee, Sungrain 100% Whole Wheat, Schmidt's, and Weis (Old Tyme and 100% Whole Wheat). English muffins, rolls, and buns are not approved. Varieties with added herbs, peppers, cheese, cinnamon, or raisins are not approved.
• Pasta: 100% whole wheat or whole grain only. Approved brands include Barilla Whole Grain, Essential Everyday Whole Wheat, Food Club Whole Wheat, Food Lion Whole Wheat, Giant Whole Wheat, Great Value Whole Wheat, Harris Teeter Whole Grain, Kroger Whole Grain, Lowes Whole Wheat, Publix Whole Grain, Ronzoni Whole Grain, Signature Select Whole Wheat, and Weis Whole Wheat. Approved shapes include elbows, penne, penne rigate, rotini, spaghetti, thin spaghetti, linguine, and angel hair.
• Brown rice: Any brand, regular, instant, or quick varieties, in a bag or box. Jasmine, basmati, wild, and specialty rice are not approved. Rice mixes and varieties with added seasonings, vegetables, protein, or fiber are not approved.
• Tortillas: Both whole wheat and corn tortillas (white or yellow corn) are approved. Approved brands include Best Choice (Whole Wheat), Food Club (Whole Wheat), Essential Everyday (White Corn), Food Lion (White Corn Taco), Kroger, Lowes (Yellow Corn), Mission (Whole Wheat Soft Taco), Ortega (White Corn and Whole Wheat), and Signature Select (Whole Wheat). Hard shell tortillas, taco kits, corn tortilla chips, wraps, flatbreads, pita, and refrigerated tortillas are not approved.

Breakfast Cereals

You can mix and match any combination of hot and cold WIC-approved cereals up to 36 oz. total per benefit period.

Cold cereals must be 12 oz. or larger (up to 36 oz.). Virginia approves a wide range of national and store brands, including General Mills (Cheerios, Cheerios Multigrain, Cheerios Vanilla Spice, Chex Cinnamon, Kix Berry Berry, Honey Crunchin Oats), Kellogg's (Corn Flakes, Crispix, Frosted Mini Wheats in Blueberry/Mixed Berry/Cinnamon Roll flavors), Post (Bran Flakes, Corn Flakes, Crispy Corn and Rice, Frosted Wheat), Quaker (Toasted Oats, Oatmeal Squares Cinnamon, Oatmeal Squares Honey Nut), and Malt-O-Meal (Crispy Rice, Frosted Mini Spooners, Strawberry Mini Spooners). Approved store brand options include those from Food Club, Food Lion, Great Value, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Signature Select, Weis, and others listed in the 2024 WIC Food List.

Hot cereals must be 11.8 oz. or larger and include grits. Approved options include Cream of Wheat (original and whole grain varieties), Cream of Rice, Quaker (Instant Grits Original and Butter, Instant Oatmeal Original), and Great Value (100% Natural Old Fashioned Oatmeal, 100% Natural Whole Grain Quick Oats). Instant oatmeal original flavor is also approved from Essential Everyday, Food Club, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Laura Lynn, Our Family, Publix, Signature Select, and Weis.

Juice

Virginia WIC applies different juice rules by participant category. All juice must be 100% juice with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Blended juice varieties, fruit drinks, and juice cocktail are not approved in either category. Organic juice is not approved.

Women receive frozen juice only: 12 oz. frozen containers of 100% single-variety fruit juice. Approved brands for apple and grape include Old Orchard (apple, grape, white grape), Great Value, Kroger, Essential Everyday, Best Choice, Food Club, Giant, and others listed in the food list. All brands of 100% orange juice and 100% grapefruit juice are universally approved in 12 oz. frozen, 64 oz. refrigerated, or 64 oz. shelf stable sizes.

Children receive liquid juice only: 64 oz. shelf stable or refrigerated containers of 100% single-variety fruit juice. Approved flavors are apple, grape, and white grape. Approved national brands include Juicy Juice (apple, grape, white grape), Apple & Eve (apple, white grape), Ocean Spray (apple, grape), Welch's (grape, white grape), Mott's (apple), and Tree Top (apple). Store brands are approved from Old Orchard, Food Lion, Kroger, Great Value, Harris Teeter, Signature Select, Weis, and others listed in the 2024 WIC Food List.

Fruits and Vegetables

Every Virginia WIC participant receives a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) loaded onto your eWIC card for purchasing eligible fruits and vegetables. The CVB amount for your category is shown on your WIC shopping list.

Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables are all eligible. Organic options are allowed. Buying whole produce rather than pre-cut is typically cheaper and stretches your CVB further. For fresh produce, whole, cut, or bagged fruits and vegetables are approved — including individual serving containers. Dried fruits and vegetables, edible blossoms, salad kits with dressing, veggie chips, and salad bar items are not approved. For frozen produce, plain organic or non-organic options are approved, including frozen beans and peas. Vegetables with cream, cheese, or butter sauces; combinations with breaded items, rice, or pasta; and items with added meats are not approved. For canned produce, regular or low-sodium options are approved; water- or juice-packed canned fruit is approved. Stewed tomatoes, tomato sauces, salsa, baked beans, pork and beans, and pickled vegetables are not approved.

Legumes, Peanut Butter, and Canned Fish

Dried beans, peas, and lentils: 16 oz. (1 lb.) package only, any brand, single variety. No organic, no seasoning packets, no mixes or soup mixes.

Canned beans: 15–16 oz. cans only, any brand, single variety including fat-free refried beans and low-sodium options. Organic, baked beans, pork and beans, chili beans, and soups are not approved.

Peanut butter: 16–18 oz. jar only. Approved styles: creamy, crunchy, smooth, and natural. Low-fat, reduced-fat, whipped, and peanut spreads are not approved. Organic is not approved. Fortified or vitamin-enriched peanut butter is not approved.

One protein benefit equals one 16 oz. package of dried beans, peas, or lentils; OR four 15–16 oz. cans of mature beans; OR one 16–18 oz. jar of peanut butter.

Canned fish is available only to women who are fully breastfeeding or mostly breastfeeding multiples — it is not included in standard participant food packages. Virginia approves two fish varieties only:

• Tuna: Chunk light, water packed only. 5.0–6.5 oz. cans only. Albacore, solid white, and oil-packed tuna are not approved. Organic, flavored, and low-sodium varieties are not approved. Pouches, single-serving, and lunch pack formats are not approved.
• Salmon: Alaskan or Pink salmon only. 7.5 oz. or 14.75 oz. cans only. Solid white and albacore salmon are not approved.

Sardines and mackerel are not on the Virginia approved list. Tofu is not included in Virginia WIC food packages.

Infant Foods and Formula

Infant cereal: 8 oz. containers only, rice and oatmeal varieties only. Organic is allowed. WIC-approved national and store brands. Mixed cereals and varieties with added DHA, fruit, formula, or yogurt are not approved.

Infant formula: Virginia WIC manages a contract formula system. The Retail Formula Flyer (available in English and Spanish at vdh.virginia.gov/wic-participants) lists the contract brands stocked at authorized retailers. Medical documentation from a healthcare provider is required for non-contract formulas. The full WIC Formulary — including specialized and medical formulas — is available on the VDH website. If you have a formula question or need a change, contact your local WIC office directly.

Infant fruits and vegetables: Single-ingredient or combination purees (for example, apple-banana or apple-sweet potato). Organic is allowed. WIC-approved national and store brands. Pouches and products with added DHA/ARA, salt, sugar, cheese, cereal, or pasta are not approved.

Infant meats are available to exclusively breastfed infants ages 6–11 months only. 2.5 oz. containers. Approved varieties: beef and broth/gravy, chicken and broth/gravy, and ham and broth/gravy. Organic is allowed. Pouches, dinners, casseroles, and products with added ingredients are not approved.

Shopping with Your Virginia eWIC Card

Your Virginia eWIC card is accepted at authorized stores displaying the "Virginia eWIC Card Accepted Here" sign. WIC shelf labels at participating retailers identify approved items in key categories — cereal, milk, cheese, yogurt, juice, and peanut butter — but labels may not always reflect the current APL. Always verify against the 2024 WIC Food List or your shopping list before purchasing. Benefits expire on the Last Day to Spend (LDTS) shown on your receipt and do not roll over to the next month.

If a food item on the current approved food list did not scan at a store, call the Tell WIC Line at 877-835-5942 to report it — Virginia has a dedicated reporting line specifically for scanning issues. If your food prescription appears incorrect, contact the WIC help desk at 1-888-942-3663 before using your benefits. For current benefit balances and food prescription details, log in to the myVAWIC portal at myvawic.org.

More Virginia WIC Resources