WIC Approved Fruits & Vegetables
The fruit and vegetable Cash Value Benefit is one of the most flexible parts of your WIC package, letting you pick your own produce up to a set dollar amount instead of specific approved items.
Quick Answer
WIC provides a monthly Cash Value Benefit — a dollar amount, increased under the 2026 USDA update — that you can spend on almost any plain fresh, frozen, or canned fruit or vegetable, plus fresh herbs in most states.
What Is Covered
WIC provides a Cash Value Benefit (CVB) — a dollar amount you can use to purchase fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables at WIC-authorized stores. The benefit applies to almost any plain fruit or vegetable without added sugar, salt, fat, or sauces. Fresh-cut herbs are also covered under the CVB in most states.
Typical Quantities
Your monthly benefit
The monthly CVB amount varies by participant category and state, and was significantly increased under the 2026 USDA food package update, which also expanded what the benefit can buy — including fresh herbs and larger package sizes of fresh produce. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding participants, along with children and infants over 6 months, all receive a CVB. See your state's approved-foods page for the current dollar amount.
Shopping Tips
The CVB works like a dollar-amount limit — mix and match any approved produce items up to that amount, and pay the difference if your total goes over. Fresh, frozen, and canned all count; whether white potatoes are included depends on your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WIC to buy any fruit or vegetable?
You can use the Cash Value Benefit on most plain fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. Items with added sugars, sodium, fat, or sauces are typically excluded. White potatoes may or may not be included — check your state's approved foods list.
Does WIC cover fresh herbs?
In most states, fresh-cut herbs like cilantro, mint, and parsley are covered under the Cash Value Benefit for fruits and vegetables.
Does WIC cover frozen vegetables?
Yes. Plain frozen vegetables without added sauce, cheese, or seasoning are generally covered by the Cash Value Benefit.