Understanding Your WIC Benefits

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program. Supplemental means that the amount of formula or foods WIC provides may not meet all of your formula or food needs for the month. You will need to buy more food or formula to feed you and your WIC eligible family members.

Each family receives an eWIC card to buy their WIC foods or formula. All food or formula benefits for each family member on WIC will be combined or grouped into one amount for each food item. For example, if you are pregnant and have a 2 year old, your Family Benefits List will show 2 dozen eggs- 1 dozen eggs for you and 1 dozen for your child.

WIC approves many different brands and products in each of the WIC food categories: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter/beans, cereal, juice and infant foods. 

For more information see "Questions You May Have About WIC Food Benefits" in English and Spanish. 

The WIC approved foods may be found in the Connecticut WIC Food Guide located on the Approved Food Guide webpage. In addition, the most up-to-date version of the Connecticut WIC Food Guide can be found on the WICShopper app.

Understanding CT WIC Food Benefits

Comprensión de los beneficios alimentarios de WIC de Connecticut

Common questions:

Can I change the food listed on my family benefit list?

ONLY your local WIC office can change your food package. If you have concerns or special needs be sure to talk to your WIC Nutritionist before your benefits are issued. They may be able to adjust your food package.

Do I need to purchase everything listed on my family benefit list?

No. You are not required to pick up everything on your Family Benefit List. We encourage you to only buy the foods that you will use.

What if I run out of food and I’ve used all of my WIC benefits?

The WIC program is meant to “supplement” your diet. The foods you receive at WIC are not intended to meet all of your nutritional needs. You will need to purchase additional foods on your own. Your local office can help you find additional food assistance programs if needed.

Can I save benefits for next month that I didn’t use?

No. Benefits expire at midnight on the expiration date found on each receipt.

Food package changes at designated time periods. 

• Birth- 5 months: The only food your infant needs at this time is breastmilk or formula. WIC cannot provide infant foods until your baby turns 6 months old.
• 6-11 months: At this age breastmilk or formula are still the primary source of nutrition for your baby. In addition your infant will receive infant foods (infant cereal and infant fruits & vegetables).
• 12-23 months: Your child will receive a food package that includes whole milk, whole milk yogurt and a variety of other foods.
• 2-5 years old: Your child will now receive low-fat or nonfat milk and low-fat or nonfat yogurt. 
• Women: A women’s food package is based on her category (pregnant, non-breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum and breastfeeding up to 12 months postpartum).

Your Family Food Benefits list shows the foods you can purchase each month. You’ll get this list at each WIC appointment. You can also check your current balance using your phone, tablet or computer.  View the How to Check your Balance webpage to learn more.