WIC provides basic nutritious foods to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children. These foods are rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. These are key nutrients commonly lacking in the diets of the WIC target population.

Participants exchange WIC food vouchers at authorized retail grocery stores and pharmacies. In some cases, special formulas are distributed directly to the participant from the WIC local agency.

The Program strongly encourages and provides support for breastfeeding. It recognizes that breastfeeding is the best method of infant feeding and nurturing. However, bottle-fed infants receive the WIC contract brand of iron-fortified infant formula for the first year of life. Beginning at six months of age, infants may also receive iron-fortified infant cereal and fruit and vegetable juices high in vitamin C.

In some cases, when medical conditions contraindicate use of the WIC contract brand of formula, infants may receive a non-contract brand of formula or a special formula. Before a WIC agency can issue any formula other than the contract brand, the client must obtain a prescription from a physician stating the formula type and the medical reason for its use.

Women and children (one to five years of age) participating in WIC receive food vouchers for milk, cheese, eggs, cereals high in iron, peanut butter or dried beans or peas, and fruit or vegetable juices high in vitamin C. Women who exclusively breastfeed their babies may also receive carrots and canned tuna fish.

Special formulas or nutritional supplements are also available to women and children participants with certain medical conditions. Before a WIC agency can issue any formula to a woman or child, the client must obtain a prescription from a physician stating the formula type and the medical reason for its use.