How much baby food do you get with WIC?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

As of early 2025, federal WIC guidelines updated the maximum monthly allowances for infant foods to align with current nutritional science. Understanding exactly how much baby food do you get with WIC can be confusing, as the amounts vary significantly depending on the infant's age and feeding status.

Quick Summary

WIC baby food quantities depend on the infant's age (6-11 months) and whether they are fully breastfed, partially breastfed, or fully formula-fed. Allowances include specific ounces of cereal, fruits, vegetables, and, for fully breastfed infants, meat.

Key Points

Quantities Vary by Feeding Type: The amount of baby food depends on whether the infant (6-11 months) is fully breastfed, partially breastfed, or fully formula-fed.
Different Foods for Different Needs: Fully breastfed infants receive a larger allowance of infant cereal and a monthly allocation of baby food meat, which is not provided for partially breastfed or formula-fed infants.
State Variations and Vouchers: States can offer cash-value vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables, potentially replacing a portion of the jarred puree benefit. Approved brands also vary by state.
Benefits Don't Start Until 6 Months: Complementary baby foods are not provided by WIC for infants under 6 months of age, who receive formula or breast milk support.
Regular Benefit Updates: WIC food package quantities are subject to change based on USDA updates. Always consult your local WIC office or the official USDA website for the latest guidelines.

WIC Food Packages for Infants 6–11 Months

For infants aged 6 to 11 months, WIC provides complementary foods as they transition to solid foods. The specific amounts issued depend on the baby's feeding category: fully breastfed, partially breastfed, or fully formula-fed. WIC benefits are intended to supplement, not fully cover, the baby's total nutritional needs.

Fully Breastfed Infants

For infants who are exclusively receiving breast milk and no formula from the WIC program, the food package is the most extensive to support the breastfeeding parent and the infant's nutritional development.

Infant Cereal: 16 ounces per month.
Baby Food Fruits and Vegetables: 128 ounces per month. For states that authorize it, this can be a mix of jarred purees and a cash-value voucher for fresh produce.
Baby Food Meat: 40 ounces per month. This is specifically for fully breastfed infants to meet their higher iron needs.

Partially Breastfed or Fully Formula-Fed Infants

For infants in these categories, the WIC food package includes formula, so the complementary food amounts differ to account for the formula provided.

Infant Cereal: 8 ounces per month.
Baby Food Fruits and Vegetables: 128 ounces per month. Similar to the fully breastfed package, a cash-value voucher for fresh fruits and vegetables may be an option, though the jarred portion would be adjusted accordingly.
Baby Food Meat: Zero ounces per month.

Comparison of Infant Food Packages (6-11 Months)

To illustrate the differences, here is a breakdown of the maximum monthly allowances for infants receiving solid foods through WIC.


Food Item	Fully Breastfed Infant	Partially Breastfed/Fully Formula-Fed Infant
Infant Cereal	16 oz	8 oz
Infant Fruits & Vegetables	128 oz	128 oz
Infant Meat	40 oz	0 oz
Reason for Difference	To support a fully breastfed infant's transition to solids with specific nutrients like iron.	To supplement infants receiving WIC formula, which provides other nutrients.

Understanding the USDA Guidelines

The food packages are designed by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service based on the latest dietary recommendations. The amounts are calculated to supplement the infant's diet, not replace it entirely. WIC also has a policy that allows state agencies to round up to the next whole container of infant food to ensure families receive the full nutritional benefit, even with varying container sizes. For instance, if a benefit is for 128 ounces but the jars come in 4.5-ounce containers, the total number of jars would be rounded up to the nearest full jar.

How to Maximize Your WIC Benefits

To get the most out of your WIC benefits, families can take several steps:

Talk to a WIC nutritionist: They can offer personalized feeding advice and help you navigate your state's specific approved food list.
Use the Cash-Value Voucher (CVV): If your state offers the CVV option for fresh fruits and vegetables, using it can provide a wider variety of produce for your infant's diet.
Understand approved brands: State WIC agencies have specific lists of approved brands and package sizes. Always check your local WIC office's list before shopping.
Plan your purchases: Be mindful of your monthly allowances to ensure you use your benefits effectively and get the full amount of food authorized for your baby.
Attend WIC appointments: Regular appointments help ensure your baby's food package is updated as they grow and their nutritional needs change.

What About Babies Under 6 Months?

For babies from birth to 5 months old, the WIC food package primarily focuses on providing formula for formula-fed infants and supporting breastfeeding mothers. Solid baby food is not typically included in the food package for this age group, as health organizations recommend introducing solids around 6 months. If a baby under 6 months has a medical condition, a specialized food package may be issued through WIC with a doctor's prescription.

Conclusion

Understanding the quantities of baby food provided by WIC is essential for parents to ensure their infant receives proper nutrition during a critical developmental stage. For babies 6-11 months, WIC provides different amounts of cereal, fruits, and vegetables based on their feeding type, with fully breastfed infants also receiving jarred meat. These benefits are a crucial supplement to support healthy growth and development in low-income families. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including state-specific variations, always consult your local WIC office.

Important Update Regarding WIC Food Package Revisions

In recent years, the USDA has made revisions to the WIC food packages to better align with current dietary guidelines. These changes impact the quantities and types of foods available. Stay informed by checking the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website for the most recent updates on WIC food package changes to ensure you are receiving all the benefits your family is entitled to.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service - WIC Food Packages

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, WIC provides complementary baby food (cereal, fruits, vegetables, and sometimes meat) only for infants between 6 and 11 months old. Prior to 6 months, the package focuses on formula or supporting breastfeeding mothers.

Fully breastfed infants receive a food package with more ounces of infant cereal and an allowance for baby food meat. This is to ensure they meet their nutritional needs, particularly for iron, as they transition to solid foods.

Yes, many states now offer a cash-value voucher (CVV) that can be used for fresh fruits and vegetables. This can be used in place of some or all of the jarred fruit and vegetable purees. Check with your local WIC office to see if this is an option in your state.

No, each state has a specific list of WIC-approved brands, types, and sizes for baby food. You must purchase items from this list to use your benefits. You can get this list from your local WIC clinic or their website.

If your infant has a medical condition, including severe food allergies, WIC can issue a specialized food package. This requires a doctor's prescription and may include special formula or food types. Contact your WIC nutritionist to discuss these options.

When your child turns one, they transition from an infant food package to a child's food package. This package includes foods like milk, cereal, eggs, and juice, with a cash-value voucher for fruits and vegetables.

Generally, no. WIC benefits, including baby food allowances, are typically issued on a monthly basis and must be used within that month. Any unused benefits expire and do not roll over.