Changes to the WIC food package are coming!

WIC food packages are getting a makeover starting with the infant food package. Beginning in January 2025, infants will be able to receive the WIC cash value benefit (CVB) at 6 months to buy fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables in addition to other WIC approved baby foods.

For information about changes to your infant’s food package ask your WIC Nutritionist!

Introduction of solids

Starting your infant on solids is an exciting time. When your baby is around 6 months old, they may be ready for solid foods. Signs of readiness include when your infant:

• Shows interest in food
• Can sit up on their own and have good head control
• Tongue thrust reflex is gone or going away. They do not push food out of their mouth, rather they are able to move it back and swallow.

Questions about when and how to start solids visit Connecticut WIC | NUTRITION IS JUST the BEGINNING.

Infants 6 months or older will now have infant cereal, infant fruits and vegetables and/or the WIC cash value benefit (CVB) for fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables. Infants who are exclusively breastfed (no formula) will also receive infant meats.

The foods in the infant food package were selected because they provide good sources of iron, vitamin A and C. It’s important to provide a variety of foods to your baby to ensure they receive adequate nutrients needed for growth and brain development.

Iron is an important nutrient for all babies, especially around 6 months of age. Once you have started solids with your baby it is important to introduce iron rich foods to prevent anemia.

There are two types of iron in foods, heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron comes from meat, poultry and seafood and the iron is easily absorbed. Non-heme iron comes mainly from plant sources like beans, lentils and spinach or iron fortified foods (dry cereals, rice, bread). Pairing non-heme iron sources with foods high in vitamin C (berries, peppers, tomato) helps the body absorb more iron.

Infant cereal and meat are good sources of iron. If you have difficulty getting your baby to eat infant cereal or meats, try adding them to your baby’s favorite fruit or vegetable. In addition, to the baby foods WIC provides you can provide small pieces (pea size) of soft pieces of meat, eggs or beans when your infant is ready. Small pieces (pea size) of soft foods should be easily smashed with a fork. Parents should always sit with the infant during mealtimes. Click here for more information on Iron.

With the new infant food package parents will have the option of getting the WIC cash value benefit (CVB) to buy fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned) to replace some or all of the infant fruits and vegetables containers. The addition of the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit at 6 months allows families the flexibility to purchase and prepare a variety of types and forms that best meet their infants’ needs. For tips on making your own baby food visit Bulletin #4309, Making Your Own Baby Food – Cooperative Extension Publications – University of Maine Cooperative Extension or go to the WICShopper app Yummy Recipes button and look for the Homemade baby food button.

For questions on the new food package changes or what to feed your baby, ask your WIC Nutritionist.