Wisconsin WIC Program Expands Food Choices for Families

New options aim to provide more nutritious options for low-income mothers and children.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An X-ray style photograph revealing the internal structures of various healthy food items like fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products, conceptually representing the expanded food choices in the Wisconsin WIC program.The expanded WIC program will provide families with a wider selection of nutritious food options to support maternal and child health.Madison Today

The Wisconsin Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program is set to expand its approved food list, allowing families enrolled in the federal nutrition assistance program to access a wider variety of healthy options. The changes come after feedback from participants and aim to better meet the dietary needs of low-income mothers and children.

Why it matters

The WIC program plays a crucial role in providing nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health care referrals to qualifying pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. Expanding food choices helps ensure WIC participants can access a more diverse range of healthy items to support their families' wellbeing.

The details

The updated WIC food package will include more whole grain options, a greater variety of fruits and vegetables, and additional dairy and protein choices. State health officials say the changes were informed by participant feedback and are designed to align with current dietary guidelines. The expanded options are expected to roll out in the coming months.

  • The updated WIC food package will be implemented in the coming months.

The players

Wisconsin Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program

A federal nutrition assistance program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and health care referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

State health officials will work with local WIC agencies to ensure a smooth transition to the expanded food options for participating families.

The takeaway

The WIC program's food package update demonstrates a commitment to providing more nutritious choices that better meet the diverse dietary needs of low-income mothers and children, supporting overall family health and wellbeing.