2010 News

October 22, 2010

Bucks County W.I.C. Food Packages Adapting to Nutritional Needs

The Pennsylvania W.I.C. (Women, Infants and Children) Program is making significant changes in the food package that it issues to its participants. Bucks County W.I.C., as the local administrative agency, is facilitating these changes for its clients.

The W.I.C. program provides nutrient dense foods to its participants. The changes will maintain this goal while also aligning with the dietary recommendations for Americans through the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). W.I.C. also strives to educate clients about the importance of successful, long-term breastfeeding.

Dairy products will now include soy alternatives, whole milk for one year olds, and low-fat milk for women and all children over two years of age. Cereals will continue to meet the iron and sugar criteria, but now half the cereals offered will be whole grain.  Whole grains-separate from cereals- will now be offered to eligible women and children. These items will include whole grain oats, brown rice, wheat/corn tortillas, bread and rolls. Non-breastfeeding, postpartum women are exempt. 

Fruits and vegetables will now be available year-round to children and women, depending on their status. Non-breastfed babies receive infant cereal as well as infant fruit and vegetables. Exclusively breastfed babies receive infant cereal, infant fruits & vegetables, and infant meats.
No white potatoes, added sauces, sugars, or syrups will be included.

Additional variety is being added to protein sources. Beans and peas now will be available canned or dried, and new varieties of fish will be included along with tuna. 

W.I.C.’s goal is to gear food items to be more client-need specific to assist families with developing healthy lifelong eating habits. Bucks County administers W.I.C. programs in Levittown, Doylestown and Quakertown. For more information contact the Bucks County Health Department at 215-345-3318, or www.buckscounty.org