Does WIC support veganism?

Question

well because i know wic gives you milk cheese and eggs but if you are vegan do they give you a substitute?

Answer 1

Not currently. One source is from 2003, but I don't think things have changed. Here's what WIC currently has at their site regarding substitutions:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/benefitsandservices/foodpkgtable.HTM

Answer 2

Absolutely not. I am on WIC and have been for about a year. My son is 6 months old, and currently on a lactose free soy formula. That is the only version of veganism they will support. They only allow to to buy items specifically printed on the WIC checks, and all of them are either dairy or dairy based, and they will not accept substitutes. They won't even think about it lol.

However, in California, there is a proposed change in the toddler package that does include fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a soy check that can be used for either tofu or soy milk. It has not been passed, but it's a near future possibility.

Answer 3

WIC will not allow you to substitute the cheese for vegan cheese, that is correct. You cannot substitute the eggs. You can substitute the milk with skim, not soy. You can substitute the peanut butter for beans.

I disagree with part of what Tracey said. WIC allows soy infant formula for lactose intolerant babies.

You maybe able to get a friend (not legal or allowed, so do not tell anyone) to trade you for the eggs, milk and cheese. Good luck!

Answer 4

http://www.frac.org/html/news/newWICpack80406.html

They don't allow substitutions, but they're working on updating the vouchers. The above is from August of last year. You can see the link to the actual record on that site, but it was a good summary.


Hopefully the other proposed changes are implemented.
The new plan actually reduces allowances for egg and dairy, and adds a soy milk/tofu category.


So far, I've seen the Farmers market portion enabled. Many vendors are WIC approved, so you can buy fresh produce from them via WIC.

Answer 5

This is according to their website:
"Currently, soy and rice-based beverages are not approved substitutes for cow’s milk in the WIC food package. All milks authorized in the WIC Program must meet the Food and Drug Administration’s standard of identity for milk. Soy and rice beverages do not."
And... "only cheese is an acceptable substitute for milk."
They allow other substitutions only if a participant is allergic to certain foods. I'm sure, though, that there are plenty of vegan foods on the approved list in every state. You'll need to call your nearest WIC office to get the approved list.

Answer 6

Support in what sense?

You can use WIC to buy the needed groceries. If that's what you mean?

Check out the website for details: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/

Repost.... Oh... Okay I get your question now.
You won't be able to substitute. Not to sound like a conspiracy theory nut, but I think the farmer's have a strong lobby where you're locked into the standard foods.

Answer 7

WIC will not allow you to substitute the cheese for vegan cheese, if that is what you are asking. If you are allergic to milk, they will let you get soy milk.

Answer 8

WIC provides food that is in the best interest of the baby. If you don't agree with what they give, don't sign up. It's not mandatory that you take food from the government.

Answer 9

not really.....this is a gov program therefore only totally supportive of mass brainwashed industry.....diary industry and mass produced cheap eggs

i am on WIC program and only pick and choose what i want to use on the coupons

not to say that the dieticians at the clinics are not supportive of a veggie lifestyle but many are not and have been brainwashed into believing that we need diary to be healthy

Answer 10

i am not positive .. but i used to work at a grocery store and i am pretty sure----i think they do let certain things be interchangeable however, you must discuss it with them ahead of time and have it printed on your check prior to going to the store with it.