Analysis of WIC Food Package Prescriptions, 1998-2002

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) assists low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children by providing nutrition education, health and social service referrals, and supplemental foods. Specific WIC foods and maximum quantities are defined by Federal regulations. However, State and local WIC agencies have flexibility to tailor food package prescriptions to address participants’ individual needs and preferences. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the types and amounts of foods being prescribed within the WIC Food Package for each category of participants. This report does not provide information on redemption of the food prescriptions, or on actual food consumption; at this time, comprehensive data are available only on food prescriptions.