Understanding the Cash-Value Benefit (CVB)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food benefits to eligible individuals. A significant portion of these benefits is the cash-value benefit (CVB), which is specifically designated for the purchase of fruits and vegetables. The CVB is a specific dollar amount, and you can spend it on any combination of qualifying produce. This flexible system is designed to help WIC participants incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diets.
What to Look for: The Rules of Thumb
While specific regulations can vary slightly by state, the following general guidelines apply across most WIC programs. The key is to look for products in their simplest, most natural form, free from added sugars, fats, oils, and other non-approved ingredients.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
This is the most straightforward category. The vast majority of fresh, whole, or cut produce is eligible. This includes:
- Any variety of whole or pre-cut fresh fruit: Apples, bananas, berries, grapes, oranges, melons, etc..
- Any variety of whole or pre-cut fresh vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, peppers, onions, etc..
- Fresh herbs: Items like cilantro or parsley are also often eligible.
- Organic options: Organic produce is also covered by the CVB.
What to avoid with fresh produce:
- Salad bar items: Individual ingredients are fine, but items taken from the salad bar are usually not eligible.
- Party trays or fruit baskets: Pre-made arrangements are not covered.
- Pre-packaged items with dips or sauces: This includes fruit and veggie trays with accompanying dips.
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen produce is a convenient and long-lasting option that also counts toward your CVB. Like fresh produce, the rules focus on keeping it simple.
- Any plain frozen fruit: Berries, peaches, mangoes, etc., with no added sugar or syrups.
- Any plain frozen vegetable: Mixed vegetables, corn, peas, spinach, etc., with no added butter, sauces, or oil.
- Frozen beans and peas: Edamame, lima beans, and black-eyed peas are generally eligible.
What to avoid with frozen produce:
- Breaded vegetables: Items like breaded okra or onion rings.
- Sauced or seasoned vegetables: Any frozen vegetables containing added sauces, butter, or spices are not covered.
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Canned options are an excellent, shelf-stable way to meet your WIC produce needs. The crucial factor is the packing liquid and ingredients list.
- Canned fruit in juice or water: Pears, peaches, fruit cocktail, etc., must be packed in 100% juice or water with no added sugar.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Plain applesauce without added sugar is eligible.
- Canned vegetables: Single vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans are covered, even if they have regular or low-sodium salt.
- Canned beans: While some types count as a separate benefit, canned green beans, wax beans, and lima beans often count toward your fruit and vegetable CVB.
- Tomato products: Unseasoned canned tomatoes, including whole, diced, and sauce, are often approved.
What to avoid with canned produce:
- Fruit in heavy syrup: Canned fruit in sugary syrups is not allowed.
- Sauced or creamed vegetables: Items like creamed corn or vegetables with added cheese sauce are not covered.
- Pickled products: Pickles, olives, and sauerkraut are not eligible.
Comparison Table: Eligible vs. Ineligible Produce
| Produce Category | WIC-Eligible Options | WIC-Ineligible Options |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Produce | Any whole or cut fresh fruits and vegetables, bagged salad mix (plain), fresh herbs, orange sweet potatoes | Salad bar items, party trays with dip, decorative produce, potatoes (except orange sweet potatoes) |
| Frozen Produce | Any plain frozen fruit with no added sugar; any plain frozen vegetable with no added sauce, butter, or oil; frozen beans/peas | Frozen fruit with sugar or syrup, frozen vegetables with added sauces, seasoned vegetables, breaded vegetables |
| Canned Produce | Fruit packed in 100% juice or water (no sugar added), unsweetened applesauce, plain vegetables, certain beans | Fruit in heavy or light syrup, creamed or sauced vegetables, pickled items (olives, pickles), relishes, ketchup |
How to Maximize Your WIC Fruit and Vegetable Benefits
- Check Your Benefit Balance: Your WIC benefits will show a specific dollar amount for fruits and vegetables. Use your WIC app or check your receipt to know exactly how much you have available.
- Scan as You Shop: Many states have a WIC mobile app that allows you to scan product barcodes to see if they are eligible. For fresh produce, you may need to rely on the store's approved produce lookup codes (PLUs) at checkout.
- Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: For canned and frozen items, reading the ingredients is the most important step. Look for single-ingredient items or those packed simply in water or 100% juice.
- Know Your State's Guide: While this article provides general guidance, each state has its own specific list of approved products. The most accurate information will come from your local WIC office or their approved food guide. You can find these resources on your state's health department website or within the WIC app.
Conclusion
Understanding what fruits and vegetables count for WIC is a powerful tool for stretching your family's grocery budget and promoting healthy eating habits. By sticking to simple, unprocessed items, whether fresh, frozen, or canned, and paying attention to ingredient lists, you can easily navigate the grocery store and make the most of your nutritional benefits. Regular use of your state's official WIC app or shopping guide will help ensure you're always making an eligible purchase, empowering you to provide nutritious food for your family with confidence.
