Make the Most of Your WIC CVB Benefits
You can buy almost twice the fruits and vegetables with your WIC benefits than ever before. This page teaches you how to get the most of those benefits, make produce last longer, and prepare them in ways your family will love.
- Get the Most Produce with Your Benefits
- Make Your Produce Last Longer
- Get Your Family Enjoying More Fruits and Vegetables
Get the Most Produce with My Benefits
Here are our best tips for getting the most fruits and veggies with your increased benefit.
Click the plus symbol (+) next to each tip to learn more
Tip #1: Buy fruits and veggies in their whole form
While pre-cut fruits and veggies are convenient, they often cost more! Save money by buying whole produce (think whole carrots instead of baby carrots) and cutting up yourself.
Watch the video to learn how to save money when comparing different forms of produce!
Tip #2: Compare unit prices. Buy in bulk when and if it makes sense.
The unit price is a quick way to compare foods to see where you can get the most value for your voucher.
Watch the video to learn about using the unit price!
Tip #3: Buy produce when it is in season or on sale.
With a few simple tips, you can modify a recipe to use the produce you got at a great price.
Watch these three videos to learn how to make swaps and adjustments in recipes!
Tip #4: Look for produce you can use in meals throughout the week
Buying in bulk can save you more money! Choose produce that your family loves, and stretch it over the week by planning out your meals.
You can use this table to help build your own meal plan.
Tap here for a printable version of the meal planner.
Watch these two videos to learn how to the stretch ingredients across multiple meals!
Mira 3 recetas rápidas y fáciles de preparar comidas con subtítulos en español usando el ícono cc en el video en inglés
Mira Cómo Usar Toda la Comida que Compró en Una Semana en español
Tip #5: Remember, all forms count!
Fresh, frozen, and canned produce all provide nutrients, and you can mix and match based on what works best for you and your family! Compare different forms at the store to see what will save you the most money and still taste great in your meal or snack. If your state only allows purchase of fresh produce with WIC benefits, use these great tips for purchasing canned and frozen produce when shopping with your own money or other food benefit.
Watch this video to learn about fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables!
Tip #6: Simplify your shopping trip with a plan
Take a little time to make a shopping list before you shop. It can cut down on expensive impulse buys at the store. If you’re shopping with kids, try these ideas to make the trip easier.
Watch this video to learn all about meal planning!
Which of these shopping tips will you try?
Learn more budgeting hacks here.
Make Your Produce Last Longer
Don’t let that produce go to waste! Check out these tips for storing fruits and veggies to last longer.
Click the plus symbol (+) next to each tip to learn more
How to freeze fruits and vegetables
How to store fruits and vegetables
Which of these storage tips will you try?
Learn more cooking basics here.
Get Your Family Enjoying More Fruits and Vegetables
Now that you’ve got all this produce, what should you do with it? Check out our tips to get your family excited about fruits and veggies!
Click the plus symbol (+) next to each tip to learn more
Tip #1: Introduce fruits and veggies early and with patience
Not sure how? Use this chart to safely feed your baby a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Watch these two videos to learn about introducing fruits and vegetables to your kids!
Tip #2: Make fruits and vegetables fun!
Who says you can’t play with your food?
Watch this video for fun ideas with fruits and vegetables!
Tip #3: Include fruits and veggies at snack time
Watch these two videos for fruit and veggie snack ideas!
Tip #4: Try out different cooking techniques
Experiment with roasting, sautéing, or steaming. The same veggie can have an entirely different taste and texture!
Watch this video to learn three different cooking methods for veggies!
Tip #5: Play around with different spices and flavor profiles
Changing the flavor can make the same veggies taste like a different meal throughout the week.
