Federal Funding Update

California WIC is open.

On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that provides full funding for the WIC program through September 30, 2026.

Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. WIC continues to serve families in California without any disruptions.

For the latest information and guidance on WIC services, visit the MyFamily website.

CDPH-WIC logo

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Toddler eating an avacado

Your WIC foods

Learn about the updated WIC food options and shopping tips for your family.

New changes to your WIC food options!

Exciting changes are coming to California WIC foods in mid-April. Families will see more choices, like new whole-grain options, more yogurt flavors, canned fish, fresh herbs and more. These changes support your family’s health. Select a food item below to learn more.

See your WIC Food Options
Canned fish Bagels Yogurt Fruits and Vegetables Packages

Canned fish

More whole-grain options

New yogurt flavors

Choose more fruits and
vegetables for your family

New approved package sizes

Canned fish

WIC is adding canned fish as a new option for all parents and children. You can select any brand, giving you more flexibility to find what your family likes. Your family can now choose healthy fish like:

  • Chunk light tuna
  • Pink salmon
  • Sardines
Learn more about eating fish safely:
Canned fish
  • Why fish is a great choice
    • Fish is a healthy food that provides protein and healthy fats called omega-3s.
    • Omega-3s support heart and brain health.
    • Omega-3s are important for pregnant and breastfeeding parents and young children, supporting healthy growth and development.
    • Adding canned fish to meals can be quick, easy, and tasty!
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  • Safe ways to eat fish
    • Choose low-sodium options when you can.
    • Refrigerate leftovers and use within 2–3 days.
    • For adults, the FDA recommends about 8–12 ounces of fish per week.
    • For children, remove bones and serve small portions—typically 1 ounce per serving, about 2–4 ounces per week.
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More whole-grain options

WIC is adding more whole-grain foods to give families healthier choices and more variety. Families can now choose from several new options listed below. Whole wheat grains provide fiber, vitamins and minerals that:

  • Give your body energy
  • Keep your heart healthy
  • Support healthy digestion
Learn more about whole-grains:
whole-grains
  • Whole wheat bagels
    Perfect for breakfast with peanut butter, low-fat cream cheese, or eggs.
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  • Whole wheat English muffins
    Great for toast, breakfast sandwiches or mini pizzas.
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  • Whole wheat pita bread
    Soft, round flatbreads that can be sliced open to hold fillings. Often used in meals for sandwiches, wraps or dips like hummus.
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  • Corn masa flour
    Finely ground corn used to make foods like tortillas, tamales or pupusas.
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  • Whole-grain cornmeal
    Roughly ground corn used for cornbread, polenta, or as a coating for baked foods.
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New yogurt flavors

Families can now choose fruit-flavored yogurts like peach, strawberry-banana and mango.

Why yogurt is good for your family:

  • Yogurt is a dairy food made from milk that contains protein, calcium, and other nutrients that help build strong bones and teeth.
  • Many yogurts contain live and active cultures known as good bacteria.
  • Good bacteria in yogurt support healthy digestion.

How to use yogurt:

  • Breakfast or snack: Eat plain or flavored yogurt on its own, with fruit, or with granola.
  • Smoothies: Blend yogurt with fruits or vegetables for a quick, healthy drink.
  • Cooking and baking: Use yogurt in recipes like muffins, pancakes, dips, or salad dressings to add creaminess.
  • Meal toppings: Yogurt can be used as a sauce or marinade like tzatziki sauce or raita.
Yogurt

Choose more fruits and vegetables for your family

Families have more choices for fruits and vegetables, so you can add variety and flavor to your meals.

  • Fresh herbs
    • Families can now use their Fruits and Vegetables Benefit to buy fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley and mint.
    • You can buy herbs with the root attached or already cut.
    • Herbs make it easy to add flavor to meals.
    • Use fresh herbs in salads, soups, sauces, or as toppings for vegetables, grains, or protein.
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  • Fruits and vegetables for Children and Adults
    • Fruits and vegetables can be offered as snacks or side dishes.
    • Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to your family to support healthy growth and development.
    • Serve fruits and vegetables in age-appropriate sizes for children. For example, cut grapes in halves, slice carrots into sticks, or mash soft fruits for younger children.
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Fruit bowl

New approved package sizes

WIC is updating some foods with new approved package sizes. Always check the California WIC App or Shopping Guide to see the exact sizes available in your food benefits.

  • Instead of only 16 ounces, many whole-grain items are now allowed in packages ranging from 12–48 ounces.
  • Canned sardines are also now approved in a new package size.
  • More package sizes for dry beans, frozen and canned vegetables.
Package sizes
Mobile phones

Make shopping easier with the California WIC App

The California WIC App helps you shop for your new foods, track your benefits, and scan items at the store to see if they are WIC approved.

The WIC Card and App

WIC Shopping Resources

The following handouts provide helpful tips and information before shopping for your WIC foods.

Your WIC Foods
English(PDF) | Spanish(PDF)

New WIC Foods Insert - Choices
English(PDF) | Spanish(PDF)

Understanding Your WIC Food Balance
English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Eat More whole-grains
English(PDF) | Spanish(PDF)

Eat Fish
English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Keep Your Food Safe
English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Tips for Buying Lactose-Free Milk
English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
Food ounces resources

Start shopping for your WIC foods

Use this tool to find WIC authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets near you.

Find a WIC Grocer
Find a Farmers’ Market
Grandfather shopping with child

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is WIC changing the foods?
    WIC is updating foods to give families more choices, healthier options, and foods that fit different cultures and diets. The new WIC foods begin in mid-April. Your California WIC App and Shopping Guide will show the new food options when they are available.
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  • Do I need to do anything to get my new foods?
    New foods will be available for families to choose when shopping in mid-April. If you have any questions, talk to your WIC counselor at your next appointment.
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  • How will I know what I can buy?
    The California WIC App will show your updated food balance and includes a food scan feature to check if a food is WIC approved. The Shopping Guide will be made available to WIC families by mid-April and will list all new foods and sizes.
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  • Will my WIC benefits change in the WIC App?
    Yes. You may see new foods, new sizes, and updated amounts for whole-grains and other items. Your California WIC App will show your updated food balance. The WIC App will be updated with these new foods by mid-April.
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  • Do these changes affect all WIC families?
    Yes. All California WIC families will be able to see the updated foods beginning in mid-April. Make sure to check your California WIC App as April gets closer.
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  • Will I lose any of my current foods?
    You will still get healthy foods each month. Some amounts may change—like whole-grains—but you will also receive more choices and flexibility, including new foods.
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  • Why is rice infant cereal no longer allowed?
    WIC no longer allows rice cereal due to concerns about heavy metal exposure. You will see other healthy infant cereal options instead like oatmeal, multigrain, barley and whole wheat.
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  • What should I do if I have trouble buying the new WIC foods at the store?
    It may take some time for grocery stores to fully update their systems with the new WIC foods. If you have trouble buying your food at the store, speak with the manager first. If that does not solve the issue, contact your local WIC office or call the California WIC program at 1-800-852-5770 or wic@cdph.ca.gov.
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  • How can I learn more about the new foods?
    You can learn more about these food updates by talking to your WIC counselor at your next appointment.
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Page Last Updated: March 11, 2026

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