United States Department of Agriculture 

Food and Nutrition Service 

Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation 

April 2006 

 

Analysis of WIC Food 

Package Prescriptions, 

1998-2002 
1 

 

 

Analysis of WIC Food Package Prescriptions, 1998-2002 

Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation 

Food and Nutrition Service 

United States Department of Agriculture 

April 2006 

This report is available on the Food and Nutrition Service website: 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/oane 

Suggested Citation:

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition, and Evaluation, 

Analysis of WIC Food Package Prescriptions, 1998-2002,” Special Nutrition Program Report Series, No. WIC-06-

PCFP. Alexandria, VA:2006. 

United States Food and 

Department of Nutrition 

Agriculture Service 

April 2006 

Special Nutrition Programs 

Report No. WIC-06-PCFP 
2 

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary.....................................................................4 

Introduction..............................................................................6 

Description of Individual Foods and Associated Trends 

 Infant Formula...................................................................9 

 Cereal............................................................................12 

 Juice..............................................................................13 

 Milk/Cheese.....................................................................14 

 Eggs..............................................................................19 

 Dry Beans or Peas/Peanut Butter............................................ 20 

 Tuna..............................................................................21 

 Carrots............................................................................22 

Conclusion...............................................................................23 

Appendix A: 

WIC Food Prescription Data Tables 1998-2002, compiled by Abt 

Associates........................................................................24 

Appendix B: 

WIC Food Prescription Data Tables 1998-2002, as adapted by the 

USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and 

Evaluation to analyze exclusively breastfeeding women..................55
3 

Acknowledgements 

This analysis of WIC food prescription data was made possible by the dedicated input of many 

individuals. We would like to extend thanks to those employees of the USDA Food and Nutrition 

Service (FNS) and of Abt Associates, Inc. who contributed to the development of this report. In 

addition, we would like to thank those State and local WIC agencies that initially participated in the 

data collection efforts. 

Susan Bartlett and her team at Abt Associates, Inc. were responsible for assimilating and analyzing 

national data from the 1998, 2000 and 2002 WIC Program and Participant Characteristics (PC) data 

collections. 

Laura Castro and Julie Kresge of FNS’ Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation (OANE) were 

responsible for conceptualizing the food prescription report and providing regular consultation 

throughout the writing process. 

Tracy Von Ins of FNS-OANE utilized data provided by Abt Associates to conduct more detailed 

statistical analyses for the report. 

Rachel Hayes-Bohn of FNS-OANE developed and edited the text of the report. 

Staff from the Supplemental Nutrition Programs Division of FNS, particularly Anne Bartholomew, 

Carol Stiller and Patti Mitchell, reviewed the draft report and provided technical comments. 

Lynne Ricker of the Child Nutrition Division of FNS provided photographs for the report cover. 
4 

Analysis of WIC Food Package Prescriptions, 1998-2002

I. Executive Summary 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) assists lowincome pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children by providing nutrition 

education, health and social service referrals, and supplemental foods. Specific WIC foods and 

maximum quantities are defined by Federal regulations. However, State and local WIC agencies have 

flexibility to tailor food package prescriptions to address participants’ individual needs and 

preferences. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the types and amounts of foods being prescribed 

within the WIC Food Package for each category of participants. This report does not provide 

information on redemption of the food prescriptions, or on actual food consumption; at this time, 

comprehensive data are available only on food prescriptions. 

Prescription data was collected as part of the Food and Nutrition Service’s biennial WIC Participant 

and Program Characteristics data collection for 1998, 2000, and 2002. Results indicate that food 

prescriptions have remained highly stable over this time period within each participant category. 

Overall, a majority of eligible participants received prescriptions for the maximum amounts of infant 

formula, cereal, juice, legumes, and carrots while few participants received prescriptions for the 

maximum amounts of milk, cheese, eggs and tuna (Table ES1). 

Table ES1: Average Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for the Federal Maximum Amount of WIC 

Foods, 1998-2002 

Food Pregnant 

Women 

Breastfeeding 

Women 

Exclusively 

Breastfeeding 

Women 

Postpartum, 

NonBreastfeeding 

Women 

Infants Children 

Infant 

Formula 

N/A N/A N/A N/A 79%1

 N/A 

Cereal 94% 96%2

 96%2 90% 61%3 85% 

Juice 91% 87% 96% 96% 52%3

 63% 

Milk 1% 

(69% 

prescribed 

≥ 75% 

max.)

1% 

(71% prescribed 

≥ 75% max.)

8% 

(79% prescribed 

≥ 75% max.)

2% 

(58% prescribed ≥

75% max.) 

N/A 1% 

(52% 

prescribed 

≥ 75% 

max.)

Cheese 3% 

(69% 

prescribed 

50-74.9% 

max.)

3% 

(72% prescribed 

50- 74.9% max.)

1% 

(67% prescribed 

50- 74.9% max.)

1% 

(62% prescribed 50-

74.9% max.) 

N/A 0.3% 

(57% 

prescribed 

50-74.9% 

max.)

Eggs4 8% 

(88% 

prescribed 

≥ 75% 

max.)

9%2

(86% prescribed 

≥ 75% max.)

9%2

(86% prescribed 

≥ 75% max.)

3% 

(78% prescribed ≥

75% max.) 

N/A 3% 

(79% 

prescribed 

≥ 75% 

max.)

Dry 

Beans/Peas 

and/or Peanut 

Butter 

98% 90% 97% N/A N/A 95% 
5 

Tuna N/A N/A 32% 

(68% prescribed 

≥ 75% max.)

N/A N/A N/A 

Carrots N/A N/A 100% N/A N/A N/A 

1

 Includes only those infants receiving any formula 2 Estimate based on total number of breastfeeding women (exclusively and non-exclusively breastfeeding) 3 Infants 4-12 months of age 

4

 Calculated based on maximum of 2.5 dozen eggs; States may set the actual maximum at 2 dozen 
6 

II. Introduction 

Since its inception as a pilot program in 1972, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has provided nutrition education, referrals to health care, and 

supplemental foods to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and 

children up to age five in the United States. WIC has been administered by the United States 

Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) as a permanent program since 

1974. Today, WIC serves approximately 8 million participants per month through 10,000 local clinics 

nationwide. 

In order to qualify for WIC benefits, a participant must meet State residency and income guidelines (≤

185% of Federal poverty guidelines or current enrollment in other income-based programs such as 

Medicaid) and be at nutritional risk. Nutritional risk is determined by a competent professional 

authority (CPA) at the local WIC agency. According to WIC Participant and Program Characteristics 

Report data from 1998-2002, some of the more common nutritional risk factors documented among 

WIC participants included: low hematocrit or hemoglobin values; inadequate/inappropriate nutrient 

intake; infant of a mother who was at risk during pregnancy; and high weight for height. WIC is not 

an entitlement program, although recently the program has been able to serve most eligible persons 

who seek enrollment. 

Participants in the WIC program receive a nutrition risk assessment, nutrition education services, 

health referrals, immunization screenings, and a monthly supplemental food package. The WIC food 

package contains specific authorized foods containing nutrients that have been shown to be lacking in 

the diets of the population WIC serves. The WIC program has traditionally been centered around five 

nutrients (protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron) that are needed to help WIC participants 

meet their nutritional needs during critical periods of growth and development. 

Seven general food packages are available, depending on the participation category (e.g., pregnant 

woman). Food package prescriptions may be categorically tailored at the State level or individually 

tailored by CPAs at the local level. Food package tailoring may be done for the following reasons: to 

reduce quantities of foods for individual participants or categories of participants based on nutritional 

need; to accommodate participant preferences; to accommodate household conditions; to recommend 

specific forms of allowable WIC foods based on nutritional needs; and to accommodate participant 

food intolerances or restrictions. For example, a participant may choose to receive less than the 

Federal maximum amount of a food item if she is not able or willing to consume the full quantity 

available, or a participant may receive a prescription for dry milk rather than fluid milk if she does not 

have access to adequate refrigeration. 

Participants typically receive food prescription vouchers during their scheduled appointments at WIC 

clinics (usually every 1-3 months). These vouchers can be submitted to one of the approximately 

46,000 authorized WIC retailers nationwide in exchange for the foods specified on the voucher. Table 

1 illustrates the WIC Food Packages available for each category of participants. 
7 

Table 1 Maximum Food Prescription Amounts, Per Participant Category 

Food 

Package 

Number 

Eligible Participants Food Maximum 

Monthly 

Quantity 

Substitutions 

Available 

I Infants 0-3 months of age Concentrated 

liquid infant 

formula 

403 fluid ounces Powdered formula; readyto-feed formula 

II Infants 4-12 months of age Concentrated 

liquid infant 

formula 

403 fluid ounces Powdered formula; readyto-feed formula 

Infant cereal 24 ounces (dry) N/A 

Single strength 

juice 

92 fluid ounces Frozen concentrated juice; 

infant juice 

III Children/women with special dietary 

needs 

Concentrated 

liquid formula 

403 fluid ounces 

+ optional 

addition of 52 

fluid ounces 

Powdered formula; readyto-feed formula 

 Cereal (hot or 

cold) 

36 ounces (dry) N/A 

 Single-strength 

juice 

138 fluid ounces Frozen concentrated juice 

IV Children 1-5 years of age Fluid whole, 

skim, or low-fat 

milk 

24 quarts Cultured buttermilk; 

evaporated whole or skim 

milk; whole, low-fat or 

nonfat dry milk; cheese 

 Eggs 2 or 2.5 dozen Dried egg mix 

 Cereal (hot or 

cold) 

36 ounces (dry) N/A 

 Single strength 

juice 

276 fluid ounces Frozen concentrated juice 

 Dry beans/peas 

OR peanut 

butter 

1 pound of 

beans/peas or 18 

ounces of peanut 

butter 

N/A 

V Pregnant and breastfeeding women 

(basic package for breastfeeding 

women)

Fluid whole, 

skim, or low-fat 

milk 

28 quarts Cultured buttermilk; 

evaporated whole or skim 

milk; whole, low-fat or 

nonfat dry milk; cheese 

 Eggs 2 or 2.5 dozen Dried egg mix 

 Cereal (hot or 

cold) 

36 ounces (dry) N/A 

 Single strength 

juice 

276 fluid ounces Frozen concentrated juice 

 Dry beans/peas 

OR peanut 

butter 

1 pound of 

beans/peas or 18 

ounces of peanut 

butter 

N/A 

VI Non-breastfeeding, post-partum 

women 

Fluid whole, 

skim, or low-fat 

milk 

24 quarts Cultured buttermilk; 

evaporated whole or skim 

milk; whole, low-fat or 

nonfat dry milk; cheese 

 Eggs 2 or 2.5 dozen Dried egg mix 
8 

 Cereal 36 ounces (dry) N/A 

 Single strength 

juice 

184 fluid ounces Frozen concentrated juice 

VII Exclusively breastfeeding women 

(Enhanced package) 

Fluid whole, 

skim, or low-fat 

milk 

28 quarts Cultured buttermilk; 

evaporated whole or skim 

milk; whole, low-fat or 

nonfat dry milk; cheese 

 Cheese 1 pound N/A 

 Eggs 2 or 2.5 dozen Dried egg mix 

 Cereal (hot or 

cold) 

36 ounces (dry) N/A 

 Single strength 

juice 

322 fluid ounces Frozen concentrated juice 

 Dry beans/peas 1 pound N/A 

 Peanut butter 18 ounces Dry beans/peas 

 Tuna 26 ounces N/A 

 Raw carrots 2 pounds Frozen carrots; canned 

carrots 

Note: Substitution ratios vary by product. Cheese is available as a partial substitution for milk in most food packages; Food Package VII offers cheese as a separate food

item. 

The foods available in the WIC Food Packages have changed only modestly1over time, but product 

package sizes and the number of products available on the market have changed. These market 

changes (e.g. standard package sizes that differ from those in the early days of WIC) may have an 

impact on food package prescription amounts. The most recent food package change was in 1992 when 

tuna and carrots were added as part of an enhanced package for exclusively breastfeeding women 

(Food Package VII); juice amounts were also increased in this enhanced food package. The WIC Food 

Package has recently experienced an independent scientific review by the National Academy of 

Science Institute of Medicine; results and recommendations for change were released in April 2005. 

Any changes or additions to the WIC-eligible foods, as identified in WIC Federal Regulations 246.10, 

require regulatory or legislative action. 

Over the years, research has provided consistent evidence on the benefits of WIC participation. WIC 

has demonstrated effectiveness in improving the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and infants. 

In addition, studies have shown the cost-effectiveness of the WIC program with relation to future 

health care costs. A number of reports centered on the WIC program are completed on a regular basis, 

including the WIC Participant and Program Characteristics (PC) Report. The PC Report is a biennial 

near-census of characteristics, including demographics, income, and nutritional risk factors. PC data is 

collected in April of each report year, based on WIC participant data maintained by the WIC State 

Agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations. It is important to note that in PC reporting (and thus, in this 

report), the term ‘participant’ is used to refer to someone enrolled in WIC, whether or not that person 

actually picked up her food prescription. Currently, there is no way to differentiate between enrollees 

and participants at the national level. 

 

1

 In April 2005, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released results of an independent scientific review of the WIC food 

package. The IOM’s recommendations for change are currently being reviewed by the Food and Nutrition Service. 
9 

This report utilizes data from the 1998, 2000, and 2002 PC studies (Appendices A, B), since 1998 was 

the first time since 1988 that specific food prescription data were available within this data set. Due to 

electronic reporting limitations, information from a few States is missing from each data year. In 

1998, Louisiana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Ohio were excluded from analysis, along with all of 

the Indian Tribal Organizations and the infant population in Maine. The data from 2000 excludes 

information from North Dakota, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and all Indian Tribal Organizations. In 2002, 

Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and all Indian Tribal Organizations were excluded from 

analysis. The primary limitation to this analysis is the lack of data from a few States each year. The 

missing State agencies were not able to provide data via electronic submission, as required. The 

missing State agency data comprise only 4-6% of the total WIC population; hence, this report captures 

food prescription information from a vast majority of participants nationwide. Further, the missing 

State agencies vary widely in geographic and ethnic makeup; this reduces the possibility for nonrandom error in the analysis. 

 

The purpose of this report is to illustrate the types and amounts of foods that were prescribed within 

the WIC Food Package for each category of participants during the PC Report data collection periods. 

This report does not provide information on what was actually purchased or consumed by the 

participants; rather, this report outlines the foods that were prescribed to participants by local agency 

staff. Descriptive statistics are provided and arranged by type of food (e.g., eggs; cereal). 

III. Description of individual foods and associated trends

Infant Formula: 

Infant formula is available in Food Packages I and II, for infants 0-3 months of age and 4-12 months of 

age, respectively. Food Package I includes only infant formula. Although the WIC program 

encourages breastfeeding for optimal health of infants, it is recognized that not all postpartum women 

are able or willing to exclusively breastfeed throughout an infant’s first year of life. Hence, Food 

Packages I and II are made available to those infants who are partially breastfed or who do not receive 

any breast milk. In addition, infant formulas are offered in Food Package III for children (ages 1-4) 

with special dietary needs. Only about 1% of all child participants in WIC receive infant formula; 

therefore, this discussion will focus exclusively on infants. 

Infant formulas may be issued in either a concentrated liquid form or a powder form. Under certain 

circumstances (e.g., unsanitary water supply), ready-to-feed formula may be provided in a food 

package. The standard formula issued must be an iron-fortified, contract brand that is not an exempt 

formula; contracts with formula manufacturers are negotiated primarily on a state-by-state basis. The 

standard formula must contain 67 kilocalories per 100 milliliters and 10 milligrams of iron per liter at 

standard dilution and must be nutritionally complete. Up to 403 fluid ounces of liquid concentrate 

formula, or the equivalent in powdered or ready-to-feed formula, may be issued to an infant receiving 

Food Package I or II each month. In addition, if an infant is receiving powdered formula in a can size 

that does not precisely equate to 403 fluid ounces of liquid concentrate, then the maximum allowable 

amount may be rounded up to the next whole can size. 

Non-standard formulas are available for infants with special dietary needs/restrictions. In most cases, 

medical documentation of need is required before the special formula will be issued. Some exceptions 

apply, including dietary restrictions based upon religious preference. 
10 

Data from the PC Studies of 1998, 2000, and 2002 (Appendix A) indicate that about 1.7 million infants 

received formula prescriptions through the WIC program during each data collection period. For those 

infants receiving formula, the average amount prescribed to them remained stable over time. The 

majority of infants who were given formula prescriptions received the Federal maximum amount of 

formula (76%) (Figure 1). It is important to note that these prescription figures include infants of all 

ages (0-12 mos.), and infants who are partially or exclusively breastfed. 

Figure 1 

Distribution of Formula Prescriptions for Infants, Based on Federal Maximum Levels, 

1998-2002 (average)

76%

7%

2%

6%

9%

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Of those infants receiving formula, a vast majority could receive a choice of either liquid concentrate 

(61%) or powder (52%) (Figure 2). Only 14% of infants received prescriptions for ready-to-feed 

formula. Many infants are not restricted to one formula type (e.g., liquid concentrate); hence, some 

overlap exists.
11 

Figure 2 

Forms of Infant Formula Prescribed, 1998-2002 (average)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Liquid Concentrate Powder Ready to Feed

Form

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each Form

 

Several types of formula are available within the WIC Food Package and some of those types may 

overlap; for example, a milk-based formula may also be lactose-free and/or iron-fortified. Further, 

infants may receive prescriptions that include multiple formula options. The numbers presented in the 

following paragraph demonstrate obvious overlap (total exceeds 100%); however, the data are not 

clear with regard to where this overlap is occurring. Therefore, the average percent of infants 

receiving prescriptions for each type of formula is presented, with the assumption that a good deal of 

overlap in formula types is occurring. 

Nearly all infants receiving formula (99.7%, on average) during the PC data collection periods 

received prescriptions for iron-fortified formula. As mentioned above, iron-fortified formula is the 

standard issuance unless precluded by dietary restrictions. Milk-based formula was prescribed to an 

average of 88% of infants that received prescriptions for formula during the PC data collection, while 

soy-based formula was prescribed to an average of 48%. Lactose-free and hydrolysate formulas were 

prescribed to 5% and 3% of infants receiving formula, respectively. The percentage of infants who 

received prescriptions for formula classified as special (special medical formulas not included in the 

abovementioned categories) averaged about 1% during the PC data collection periods. 
12 

Cereal: 

Both infant cereals and adult cereals (hot and cold) are available through the WIC program. The term 

“adult cereal” is used in this discussion to represent regular non-infant cereal that may be consumed by 

either adults or children. Infant cereal can be prescribed within Food Package II for infants 4-12 

months of age; adult cereal can be prescribed within Food Packages III, IV, V, VI and VII for all 

categories of women and children. 

In order to qualify for inclusion in the WIC Food Package, infant cereal must be iron-fortified, 

containing at least 45 milligrams of iron per 100 grams of dry cereal. Adult cereals must contain at 

least 28 milligrams of iron per 100 grams of dry cereal, but must not contain more than 21.2 grams of 

sucrose and other sugars per 100 grams. The Federal maximum allowance of infant cereal in Food 

Package II is 24 ounces per month, while the monthly maximum for adult cereal in Food Packages IIIVII is 36 ounces. 

According to the PC Report data (Appendix A), a majority of women, infants, and children 

participating in the WIC program were prescribed the Federal maximum allowable amount of cereal 

(Figure 3). As an average over the three data collection periods, the Federal maximum amount was 

prescribed for: 94% of pregnant women; 96% of breastfeeding women; 90% of postpartum, nonbreastfeeding women; 61% of infants 4-12 months old; and 85% of children. 

Figure 3 

Distribution of Cereal Prescriptions for Women, Infants, and Children, 

1998-2002 (average)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Pregnant Women Breastfeeding Women Postpartum Women Infants (4-12 mos) Children

Participant Category

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None
13 

Given the high percentage of participants receiving prescriptions for the Federal maximum amounts of 

cereal, it is no surprise that few participants received no cereal in their food package prescriptions. 

Approximately 0.2% of all women and children in WIC received a prescription with no cereal. 

Approximately 9% of 4-12 month-old infants received prescriptions with no cereal during the PC data 

collection periods. Although still relatively small, the infant numbers are much larger than for other 

participants; this is likely due to a variance in timing when cereal is introduced into an infant’s diet. 

An additional 26% of infants, on average, received prescriptions for 50-74.9% of the Federal 

maximum amount. 

Juice: 

Fruit and vegetable juices are offered through the WIC program in three forms: single strength; 

concentrate; and infant juice. Infant juice is only available in Food Package II for infants 4-12 months 

of age, while the other two forms of juice are available in Food Packages II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII for 

all categories of women and children, plus infants 4-12 months of age. 

In order to become a WIC-eligible product, juices must contain at least 30 milligrams of vitamin C per 

100 milliliters of liquid. The Federal maximum allowance of juice for infants is 92 fluid ounces per 

month, and the maximum for children, pregnant women and partially breastfeeding women is 276 fluid 

ounces. Exclusively breastfeeding women are allowed to receive up to 322 fluid ounces of juice 

monthly, while postpartum, non-breastfeeding women are allowed to receive a maximum of 184 fluid 

ounces. These maximum requirements are based on single-strength juice equivalents. 

A vast majority of women and children who were enrolled in WIC were prescribed some amount of 

juice in their monthly food packages during the PC Report data collection periods (Appendices A, B); 

less than 0.1% received no juice in their food prescriptions. Further, a majority of participants in 

several categories received prescriptions for the Federal maximum amount (Figure 4). As averaged 

over the three data collection periods, 91% of pregnant women, 87% of partially breastfeeding women, 

96% of exclusively breastfeeding women, 96% of postpartum, non-breastfeeding women, 52% of 

infants 4-12 months of age, and 63% of children were prescribed the maximum allowance of juice. 
14 

Figure 4 

Distribution of Juice Prescriptions for Women, Infants, and Children, 

1998-2002 (average)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Pregnant Women Partially

Breastfeeding

Women

Exclusively

Breastfeeding

Women

Postpartum

Women

Infants (4-12 mos) Children

Participant Category

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

The second highest proportion of both children and infants (averages of 32% and 24%, respectively) 

received prescriptions for 50-74.9% of the Federal maximum allowance of juice (Figure 4). As 

mentioned earlier, not all infants are prescribed juice within Food Package II; these data suggest that 

about 22% of infants aged 4-12 months received prescriptions that did not include juice during the PC 

Report data collection periods. 

Milk/Cheese: 

Milk and cheese are offered within Food Packages IV, V, VI, and VII for all women and children 

without special medical needs. Several forms of milk are available, including: fluid whole milk; fluid 

non-fat milk; fluid low-fat milk; cultured buttermilk; evaporated whole milk; evaporated skimmed 

milk; dry whole milk; nonfat dry milk; and low-fat dry milk. Fluid milks may be interchanged on a 

quart-by-quart basis, while evaporated milk may be substituted at a rate of 13 ounces per quart of fluid 

milk, and dry milk may be substituted at a rate of 1 pound per 5 quarts of fluid milk. Cheese is also 

available and may be substituted for milk at the rate of 1 pound per 3 quarts of fluid milk, up to 

categorical limits. State or local agencies sometimes offer food packages with cheese as a standard 

item (i.e., already substituted for a portion of the milk) as a default. In addition to substitution options, 

exclusively breastfeeding women may receive prescriptions for an extra 1 pound of cheese monthly. 
15 

Participants are often allowed flexibility in selecting the forms of dairy products that they receive; 

therefore, multiple forms of milk are often allowable on one food voucher, as illustrated in Table 2. 

Pregnant and breastfeeding women may receive up to the equivalent of 28 quarts of fluid milk per 

month, while postpartum, non-breastfeeding women and children may receive up to the equivalent of 

24 quarts of fluid milk. Exclusively breastfeeding women may receive prescriptions for up to 5 

pounds of cheese per month and all other participants may receive prescriptions for up to 4 pounds 

monthly; these totals include the cheese that is substituted for milk. 

All fluid milks must be pasteurized, and flavored milks are eligible. In addition, all milks must contain 

at least 400 International Units of vitamin D and 2000 International Units of vitamin A per quart of 

fluid or reconstituted fluid. Although fluid cow’s milk is the most commonly prescribed, other milks 

such as goat’s milk, lactose-reduced milk, kosher milk, and acidophilus milk are prescribed in certain 

cases. Only certain domestic cheeses are eligible for purchase with WIC vouchers, including: 

pasteurized processed American cheese; Monterey Jack; Colby, natural Cheddar; Swiss; Brick; 

Muenster; Provolone; and part-skim or whole Mozzarella. 

Most women and children who participated in WIC received prescriptions for milk during the PC 

Report data collection periods (Appendices A, B). In fact, an average of only 0.1% of participants 

receiving Food Packages IV-VII did not receive prescriptions for milk (Figure 5). The majority of 

pregnant (69%), partially breastfeeding (70%), exclusively breastfeeding (79%) and postpartum, nonbreastfeeding women (58%), as well as children (52%) received prescriptions for at least 75% of the 

Federal maximum allowance of fluid milk equivalents. About 8% of exclusively breastfeeding women 

received prescriptions for the Federal maximum amount of milk, while 1-2% of participants in other 

eligible categories received prescriptions for the maximum amount. 
16 

Figure 5 

Distribution of Milk Prescriptions for Women and Children, 

1998-2002 (average)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Pregnant Women Partially Breastfeeding

Women

Exclusively

Breastfeeding Women

Postpartum Women Children

Participant Category

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Nearly all WIC participants receiving Food Packages IV-VII could receive fluid milk; far fewer could 

receive either dry or evaporated milks. The prescription rates of reduced-fat and nonfat milks were 

very close to those of whole milks among all categories of women participating in WIC. Reduced-fat 

and nonfat milks were less frequently prescribed for children; this is aligned with current nutrition 

science recommendations that children receive whole milk from 12 to 24 months of age. 

As the combination possibilities of milk prescriptions are numerous, Table 2 illustrates the percent of 

participants in each category who received food package prescriptions allowing the various types of 

milk. Again, these data represent a high degree of overlap among types of milk; participants could 

have received prescriptions allowing several types from which to choose. In addition, these types are 

not mutually exclusive; whole milk could also be lactose-reduced, etc. 
17 

Table 2: Percent of WIC Participants Receiving Prescriptions Including Each Type of Milk, 1998-2002 (average) 

Type of Milk Whole Reduced 

Fat 

2% 

Low-fat 

1-1 1⁄2 % 

Nonfat Acidophilus Lactose 

Reduced 

UHT Buttermilk Goat Kosher 

Pregnant 

Women 

98% 96% 95% 96% 12% 12% 5% 5% 4% 6% 

Partially 

Breastfeeding 

Women 

98% 96% 96% 96% 10% 8% 4% 3% 3% 7% 

Exclusively 

Breastfeeding 

Women 

98% 99% 98% 98% 10% 11% 4% 6% 10% 5% 

Post-Partum, 

NonBreastfeeding 

Women 

99% 97% 96% 96% 12% 9% 5% 6% 4% 6% 

Children 99% 79% 78% 78% 11% 10% 5% 5% 4% 6% 

 

Note: Percent ranges from PC Report data collection in 1998, 2000 and 2002. 

 Types are not mutually exclusive; percentages do not equate to 100%. 

A majority of women and children received prescriptions substituting cheese for a portion of their 

monthly fluid milk allowance in the PC Report (Appendices A, B). Approximately 4 percent of 

participants received prescriptions with no cheese, and children were more likely to receive 

prescriptions without cheese than were women (Figure 6). The amount of cheese prescribed to women 

and children has remained steady over time and across participant categories; of those women and 

children receiving cheese, each participant received an average of 2 pounds monthly. Given the 4 or 5 

pound Federal maximum allowance of cheese each month, most pregnant women (69%), exclusively 

breastfeeding women (67%), partially breastfeeding women (72%), postpartum non-breastfeeding 

women (62%), and children (57%) received prescriptions for 50 to 74.9% of the maximum amount. 
18 

Figure 6 

Distribution of Cheese Prescriptions for Women and Children, 1998-2002 (average)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Pregnant Women Partially Breastfeeding

Women

Exclusively

Breastfeeding Women

Postpartum Women Children

Participant Category

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Because of the nature of substitution, it is not possible for a participant to receive both the maximum 

amount of milk and the maximum amount of cheese. Therefore, the concept of “dairy equivalents” 

was devised for this paper in order to get a sense of the proportion of participants who are receiving 

prescriptions for the maximum allowable amount of dairy, regardless of whether it is in the form of 

milk or cheese. 

The majority of pregnant (54%) and breastfeeding (68%) women participating in WIC during the PC 

data collection periods received the maximum amount of dairy products allowable, as some 

combination of milk and/or cheese (Figure 7). The majority of children (61%) received prescriptions 

for at least 75% of the maximum amount. Forty-nine percent of postpartum non-breastfeeding women 

received prescriptions for the maximum amount, while another 47% received prescriptions for at least 

75% of the maximum. 
19 

Figure 7 

Distribution of Dairy Equivalents Prescriptions for Women and Children, 1998-2002 (average)

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

Pregnant Women Breastfeeding Postpartum Children

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each Amount

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Eggs: 

Eggs are available within WIC Food Packages IV, V, VI, and VII to all categories of women and 

children without special medical needs. The Federal maximum value of eggs is 2.5 dozen per month. 

However, WIC State agencies have the discretion to limit that maximum value to 2 dozen, as many 

WIC vendors do not provide eggs in half-dozen cartons. For the purpose of this analysis, the 

assumption is a maximum of 2.5 dozen. In lieu of whole eggs, participants may choose to receive 

dried egg mix at the substitution rate of 1.5 pounds of egg mix per 2 dozen eggs or 2 pounds of dried 

egg mix per 2.5 dozen eggs. 

The vast majority of women and children participating in WIC received eggs as part of their monthly 

food prescription package during the PC Report data collection periods (Figure 8; Appendix A). Few 

pregnant (0.1%) and breastfeeding (0.4%) women received prescriptions including no eggs. A greater 

proportion of postpartum, non-breastfeeding women received prescriptions with no eggs, although the 

number was still quite small at an average of 5% over the three years. About 1.3% of children 

received prescriptions with no eggs during these data collection periods. 

The greatest proportions of pregnant women (88%), breastfeeding women (86%), postpartum, nonbreastfeeding women (78%), and children (79%) received prescriptions for at least 75% of the Federal 

maximum amount of eggs (Figure 8). Of those receiving eggs, pregnant women and breastfeeding 
20 

women received an average of 2 dozen per month, while postpartum, non-breastfeeding women and 

children both received an average of 1.9 dozen per month. It is important to note that many of the 

participants falling into this “≥ 75%” category are actually receiving the Federal maximum of 2 dozen 

eggs, per their respective States’ guidelines. Therefore, the actual percent of participants receiving the 

Federal maximum is likely much larger, although the magnitude of change is not discernable from this 

data set. 

Figure 8 

Distribution of Egg Prescriptions for Women and Children, 1998-2002 (average)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Pregnant Women Breastfeeding Women Postpartum Women Children

Participant Category

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Dry Beans or Peas/Peanut Butter: 

A choice of dry beans/peas or peanut butter is included within WIC Food Packages IV, V, and VII for 

pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children without special medical needs. Selections of dry 

beans or peas include (but are not limited to): lentils; black, navy, kidney, garbanzo, soy, pinto and 

mung beans; and cow, crowder, split and black-eyed peas. Pregnant women, partially breastfeeding 

women, and children may receive a monthly Federal maximum of 16 ounces of dry beans/peas or 18 

ounces of peanut butter. Exclusively breastfeeding women may receive both 16 ounces of dry 

beans/peas and 18 ounces of peanut butter each month; they are also allowed to receive up to 32 

ounces of dry beans/peas with no peanut butter. 
21 

Relatively few participants in the abovementioned categories received prescriptions including no 

peanut butter or dry beans/peas during the PC Report data collection periods (Appendices A, B). 

Further, the percent of participants receiving none remained stable over time within each category: on 

average, 2% of pregnant women, 10% of partially breastfeeding women, and 5% of children received 

neither peanut butter nor dry beans/peas in their food prescriptions during these data collection periods 

(Figure 9). Interestingly, all pregnant women and children included in this data set were prescribed 

either no peanut butter/dry beans/peas or the Federal maximum amount allowed within their respective 

food packages. Therefore, an average of 98% of pregnant women and 95% of children received 

prescriptions allowing the maximum allotment. Approximately 97% of exclusively breastfeeding 

women and 90% of partially breastfeeding women received prescriptions for the maximum amount of 

peanut butter and/or dry beans/peas. 

Figure 9 

Distribution of Dry Beans/Peas and/or Peanut Butter Prescriptions for 

Women and Children, 1998-2002 (average)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Pregnant Women Partially Breastfeeding

Women

Exclusively Breastfeeding

Women

Children

Participant Category 

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Tuna: 

Tuna is a relatively new addition to the WIC Food Package; it was introduced in 1992 as part of a new 

enhanced breastfeeding package for exclusively breastfeeding women (Food Package VII). Tuna is 

only available in Food Package VII; eligible participants may receive up to 26 ounces per month. Only 

canned tuna is allowable, although the tuna may be white, light or dark and packed in either oil or 

water. Allowable forms include solid, solid pack, chunk, chunks, chunk style, flake, flakes, and grated. 
22 

Most exclusively breastfeeding WIC participants (68%) received prescriptions for at least 75% of the 

maximum amount of tuna during the PC Report data collection period (Figure 10; Appendices A, B). 

Approximately 32% of exclusively breastfeeding women received prescriptions for the maximum 

amount. 

Figure 10 

Distribution of Tuna Prescriptions for Exclusively Breastfeeding Women, 

1998-2002 (average)

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Amount, Relative to Federal Maximum

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

Carrots: 

Along with tuna, carrots were introduced into the enhanced breastfeeding WIC Food Package in 1992. 

Exclusively breastfeeding women who receive Food Package VII may receive up to 2 pounds of fresh, 

raw carrots per month. Participants may also substitute frozen carrots on a pound per pound basis or 

canned carrots at the rate of one 16-20 ounce can per pound of fresh carrots. 

Nearly all exclusively breastfeeding women (99.7%) received prescriptions including the maximum 

allotment of carrots during the PC Report data collection period (Figure 11; Appendices A, B). Only 

0.1% of eligible participants received prescriptions including no carrots. 
23 

Figure 11 

Distribution of Carrot Prescriptions for Exclusively Breastfeeding Women, 

1998-2002 (average)

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%

120.0%

Max. ≥ 75% Max. 50-74.9% Max ≤ 49.9% Max None

Amount, Relative to Federal Maximum

Percent of Participants Receiving Prescriptions for Each 

Amount

IV. Conclusion 

This report has provided a descriptive analysis of the types and amounts of foods prescribed in the 

WIC Food Packages during the 1998, 2000, and 2002 WIC Participant and Program Characteristics 

Report periods. This is the first time that food prescription data has been widely available within the 

PC Report since 1988. Overall, food package prescriptions remained highly stable between 1998 and 

2002, with little change in the amounts of foods being prescribed within participant categories. A 

majority of eligible participants were prescribed the maximum amounts of infant formula, cereal, juice, 

legumes, and carrots, while fewer participants were prescribed the maximum amounts of milk, cheese, 

eggs, and tuna (Table ES1). 

Basic foods offered within the WIC food package have changed only modestly in 25 years, with the 

exception of carrots, tuna, and additional juice being incorporated into an enhanced package for 

exclusively breastfeeding women in the early 1990s. However, changes in product packaging (i.e., 

size) and availability may have had an indirect effect on WIC food prescriptions over time. In 

addition, WIC food prescriptions are subject to several decision points, including State or local agency 

standard tailoring options and individual participant choice. Data presented in this report provides a 

glimpse of the types and quantities of foods included in usual WIC food package prescriptions; 

however, the types/quantities of foods actually purchased or consumed cannot be extrapolated from 

this information.
24 

Appendix A: WIC Food Prescription Data Tables 1998-2002, compiled by Abt Associates 
25 

Table A 1 

Quantity and Types of Formula Prescribed for WIC Infants and Children in April 1998 

Age of Infant 

0-3 

months 

4-6 

months 

7 

months 

and 

older 

Age not 

reported 

Total 

Infants

Receiving 

Formulaa

Children 

Receiving 

Formulab

Quantity 

 Federal maximum (oz)c 806 806 806 806 806 See Infants 

 Mean (oz), allc 685.6 727.2 738.8 778.9 715.9 792.6 

 Mean (oz), receiving formulac 743.1 767.9 772.6 800.2 760.6 792.6 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 76.2 82.3 82.9 92.9 80.3 82.0 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of 

Federal maximum

5.2 5.3 6.9 3.2 5.8 12.7 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal 

maximum

2.9 1.9 1.4 0.5 2.1 3.0 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of 

Federal maximum

8.0 5.2 4.4 0.7 5.9 2.4 

 Percent receiving none 7.7 5.3 4.4 2.7 5.9 0.0 

 

Form Allowable d 

 Concentrate 66.6 67.3 68.0 89.6 67.3 57.0 

 Powdered 44.8 44.6 45.0 10.9 44.8 43.0 

 Ready-to-feed 12.5 13.1 14.1 0.6 13.3 26.4 

 

Type Allowable d 

 With iron 99.8 99.8 99.9 100.0 99.8 99.6 

 Low-iron 1.2 1.4 1.6 0.0 1.4 0.4 

 Milk-based 92.3 91.2 92.1 96.8 91.9 64.9 

 Soy-based 50.4 50.7 53.7 85.9 51.7 56.2 

 Lactose-free 3.1 3.7 2.8 1.0 3.1 19.9 

 Hydrolysate 1.7 2.1 1.5 0.6 1.7 6.1 

 Special 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.3 1.0 

 Hydrolysate or Special 2.0 2.3 1.6 0.6 1.9 7.0 

N 616,781 456,058 587,790 1,127 1,661,756 24,720 

Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, 

Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in Maine. 

Notes: 

a Includes infants not receiving milk packages. 

b Less than one percent (0.68%) of participants classified as children received food packages containing formula. 

c Ready-to-feed formula. Concentrate and powdered formula converted to ready-to-feed equivalent based on reconstitution rates. 

d Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. 
26 

Table A 2 

Quantity and Types of Formula Prescribed for WIC Infants 

All Infants 

Quantity 

 Federal maximum (oz)a 806 

 Mean (oz), alla 670.0 

 Mean (oz), receiving formulaa 760.6 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 75.1 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 5.4 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 2.0 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 5.6 

 Percent receiving none 11.9 

N 1,775,652 

Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, 

Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in Maine.) 

Notes: 

a Ready-to-feed formula. Concentrate and powdered formula converted to ready-to-feed equivalent based on reconstitution rates. 
27 

Table A 3 

Quantity and Types of Milk Products Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(quarts)a

Mean 

(quarts)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

75 Percent or More 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

50-75 Percent of 

Federal Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 28 21.5 1.2 70.6 27.1 1.1 Breastfeeding women 28 21.7 2.9 75.9 20.3 0.8 Postpartum women 24 17.4 1.8 59.8 37.6 0.8 Children 24 17.1 1.2 55.1 43.3 0.4 Infantsc Receiving Milk See Children 17.3 0.6 52.0 47.4 0.1 

Percent with Form 

Allowableb Percent by Type Allowableb

Participant Category Fluid Dry 

Evaporated Whole Reduced fat (2%) 

Low-fat 

(1 or 

1 1⁄2%) 

Skim or 

Non-fat 

(0.5% or 

less) Acidophilus 

Lactose 

Reduced U

Pregnant women 99.9 32.7 34.2 98.6 96.8 96.5 96.8 12.1 12.8 Breastfeeding women 99.8 41.1 42.5 98.8 98.1 97.6 98.1 9.2 10.1 Postpartum women 99.9 31.2 28.6 99.0 97.5 97.1 97.6 10.5 9.2 Children 99.1 33.1 30.9 99.4 79.8 79.3 79.9 9.7 10.6 Infantsc Receiving Milk 98.3 49.8 29.2 99.5 66.6 65.0 66.5 2.0 3.9 Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in MNotes: a Fluid milk. Evaporated or dry milk converted to fluid equivalent. b Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. c These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. Many States reported providing food packages containing milk to infants who were eleven mo

 1998. They represent 6.4 percent of all those certified as infants. 
28 

Table A 4 Quantity of Cheese Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(lbs)a

Mean All 

(lbs) 

Mean 

Receiving 

Cheese (lbs.) 

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 4 1.8 1.9 3.1 2.3 68.4 22.9 Breastfeeding women 5 2.1 2.1 0.3 2.8 21.6 73.3 Postpartum women 4 1.6 1.7 0.6 0.9 60.2 33.5 Children 4 1.5 1.6 0.3 0.4 55.1 39.2 Infantsb Receiving Cheese See Children 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.1 34.70 29.1 Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, aNotes: a Additional cheese may be issued on an individual basis. b These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. Many States reported providing food packages containing milk or cheese to infants who were  older in April 1998. They represent 6.4 percent of all those certified as infants. 
29 

Table A 5 Quantity of Juice Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)a

Mean All 

(oz)a

Mean 

Receiving 

Juice (oz.)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 276 272.6 272.7 93.3 4.4 2.1 0.1 Breastfeeding women 322 282.9 282.9 29.1 62.6 7.8 0.5 Postpartum women 184 184.9 184.9 97.9 1.2 0.9 0.0 Infants age 4-12 months 92 72.8 94.5 54.0 1.1 21.9 0.1 Children 276 240.4 240.5 65.7 4.5 29.3 0.5 Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, aNotes a Single strength juice. Concentrated juice converted to single strength equivalent. Federal maximum for concentrated juice is slightly higher: pregnant (288 oz.); breastfeed postpartum (192 oz.); infants (96 oz.); children (288 oz.). 
30 

Table A 6 Quantity of Cereal Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Categorya

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz) Mean All (oz) 

Mean 

Receiving 

Cereal (oz.) 

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 

Percent o

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 36 35.2 35.3 93.9 0.8 5.2 0.0 Breastfeeding women 36 35.6 35.6 96.8 0.6 2.4 0.0 Postpartum women 36 34.9 35.0 90.1 3.7 6.1 0.1 Infants age 4-12 months 24 19.7 22.1 60.2 1.2 25.2 2.7 Children 36 34.5 34.5 85.7 7.2 6.8 0.2 Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, aNotes: a Infants receive infant cereal. All others receive adult cereal 
31 

Table A 7 Quantity of Eggs Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(dozen)a

Mean All 

(dozen)a

Mean 

Receiving 

Eggs (dozen)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 5

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum

Pregnant women 2.5 2.0 2.0 9.1 86.2 0.6 4.1 Breastfeeding women 2.5 2.0 2.0 9.9 84.6 1.2 3.9 Postpartum women 2.5 1.8 1.9 3.2 76.4 3.9 11.1 Children 2.5 1.8 1.8 3.0 78.0 2.8 15.3 Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in MNotes: a Fresh eggs. Dried egg mix converted to fresh equivalent. 
32 

Table A 8 Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Percent withType 

Allowablea Quantity 

Peanut 

Butter 

Dried 

Beans/ 

Peas 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)b

Mean 

All (oz)b

Mean 

Receiving 

(oz)b

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

75 Percent 

or More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

50-75 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pe

Rec

Less 

50 P

of F

Max

Pregnant women 63.4 84.3 16/18 16.5 16.9 97.7 0.0 0.0 Breastfeeding women 55.3 86.9 32/34 20.4 21.8 29.0 0.0 64.5 Children 50.7 83.6 16/18 15.7 16.7 94.3 0.0 0.0 Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in MNotes: a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both.b Maximum for pregnant women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum for breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas an

 peanut butter or 32 ounces dried beans/peas. If participant can choose either beans or peanut butter, quantity is coded as 17 ounces. 
33 

Table A 9 

Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Certification Category 

Pregnant 

Women 

Breastfeeding 

Women Children 

Percent by Type Received 

 Peanut Butter 13.7% 19.8% 10.8% 

 Dried Beans/Peas 34.8 56.8 43.7 

 Indeterminanta

 49.7 36.2 39.9 

Quantity 

 Federal maximum 18/16 oz 34/32 oz 18/16 oz 

 Mean All (oz)b

 16.5 20.4 15.7 

 Peanut Butter 2.5 4.0 2.0 

 Beans 5.6 10.3 7.0 

 Indeterminanta

 8.4 6.1 6.8 

 Mean Receiving (oz)b

 16.9 21.8 16.7 

 Peanut Butter 18.0 18.0 18.0 

 Beans 16.0 19.1 16.0 

 Indeterminanta

 17.0 17.5 17.0 

Percent receiving Federal maximum 97.7% 29.0% 94.3% 

Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 64.5 0.0 

Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Percent receiving none 2.3% 6.4% 5.6% 

N 785,160 353,627 3,610,603 

Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, 

Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in Maine.) 

Notes: 

a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both.

b Maximum for pregnant women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum for 

 breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas and 18 ounces peanut butter or 32 ounces dried beans/peas. If participant 

 can choose either beans or peanut butter, quantity is coded as 17 ounce 
34 

Table A 10 

Quantities of Carrots and Tuna Prescribed for Breastfeeding Women 

Percent of Breastfeeding Women 

Carrots: Federal maximum of 2 pounds 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 30.1% 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving none 69.8 

 

 Mean all (pounds) 0.6 lbs 

 Mean receiving carrots (pounds) 2.0 

Tuna: Federal maximum of 26 ounces 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 9.4% 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 20.8 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving none 69.8 

 

 Mean all (ounces) 7.5 oz 

 Mean receiving tuna (ounces) 24.9 

N 353,627 

Source: PC1998 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North 

Dakota, Ohio, and infants in Maine.) 
35 

Table A 11 

Quantity and Types of Formula Prescribed for WIC Infants and Children in April 2000 

Age of Infant 

0-3 

months 

4-6 

months 

7 

months 

and 

older 

Age not 

reported 

Total 

Infants

Receiving 

Formulaa

Children 

Receiving 

Formulab

Quantity 

 Federal maximum (oz)c 806 806 806 806 806 See Infants 

 Mean (oz), allc 700.7 736.4 753.9 747.2 730.6 807.1 

 Mean (oz), receiving formulac 752.3 777.3 786.9 788.5 772.4 807.1 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 76.1 81.8 82.6 77.0 80.1 75.6 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of 

Federal maximum

6.0 5.8 7.9 9.3 6.6 18.2 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal 

maximum

3.5 2.2 1.7 7.0 2.4 3.5 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of 

Federal maximum

7.6 5.0 3.7 1.5 5.4 2.7 

 Percent receiving none 6.9 5.3 4.2 5.2 5.4 0.0 

 

Form Allowable d 

 Concentrate 61.0 61.7 62.0 57.0 61.6 38.3 

 Powdered 54.6 53.0 52.8 54.7 53.5 34.7 

 Ready-to-feed 15.5 14.9 14.3 7.7 14.9 35.6 

 

Type Allowable d 

 With iron 99.7 99.7 99.7 100.0 99.7 99.1 

 Low-iron 1.3 1.4 1.7 1.5 1.5 0.9 

 Milk-based 88.2 86.3 87.1 85.2 87.2 65.7 

 Soy-based 50.5 50.6 51.7 49.5 51.0 33.7 

 Lactose-free 5.9 6.7 6.8 18.4 6.5 42.6 

 Metabolic 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.2 0.1 1.2 

 Hydrolysate 2.4 2.8 2.4 6.1 2.5 12.3 

 Special 1.1 0.9 0.8 3.4 0.9 15.1 

 Hydrolysate or Special 3.2 3.5 2.9 6.8 3.2 24.6 

 

Formula Type 

 Nonexempt 82.7 83.2 84.2 88.9 83.4 56.9 

 Exempt 3.1 3.3 2.7 6.8 3.0 14.1 

 Medical food 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0 28.0 

 Not specified 14.2 13.5 13.1 3.7 13.6 1.0 

N 609,611 466,456 663,739 344 1,740,150 40,101 

Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New 

Jersey and Oklahoma). 

Notes: 

a Excludes infants receiving milk packages. 

b 1.1 percent of participants classified as children received food packages containing formula. 

c Ready-to-feed formula. Concentrate and powdered formula converted to ready-to-feed equivalent based on reconstitution rates. 

d Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. 
36 

Table A 12 

Quantity and Types of Formula Prescribed for WIC Infants 

All Infants 

Quantity 

 Federal maximum (oz)a 806 

 Mean (oz), alla

698.0 

 Mean (oz), receiving formulaa 772.4 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 76.5 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 6.3 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 2.3 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 5.2 

 Percent receiving none 5.2 

N 1,821,289 

Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New 

Jersey and Oklahoma). 

Notes: 

a Ready-to-feed formula. Concentrate and powdered formula converted to ready-to-feed equivalent based on reconstitution rates. 
37 

Table A 13 Quantity and Types of Milk Products Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(quarts)a

Mean 

(quarts)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

75 Percent or More 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

50-75 Percent of 

Federal Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 28 21.2 1.0 68.9 28.5 1.5 Breastfeeding women 28 21.4 2.5 73.4 22.6 1.5 Postpartum women 24 17.3 1.7 56.5 40.2 1.6 Children 24 17.0 1.0 53.0 45.0 1.0 Infantsc Receiving Milk See Children 17.4 0.4 57.0 42.5 0.1 

Percent with Form 

Allowableb Percent by Type Allowableb

Participant Category Fluid Dry 

Evaporated Whole Reduced fat (2%) 

Low-fat 

(1 or 

1 1⁄2%) 

Skim or 

Non-fat 

(0.5% or 

less) Acidophilus 

Lactose 

Reduced U

Pregnant women 99.6 31.4 33.5 98.9 96.6 95.2 96.5 12.1 12.5 Breastfeeding women 99.3 39.4 38.8 98.9 97.7 97.3 97.8 10.2 9.0 Postpartum women 99.5 29.3 28.7 99.2 97.4 97.3 97.4 12.5 9.4 Children 98.7 32.0 29.7 99.5 78.9 79.1 79.0 10.9 10.4 Infantsc Receiving Milk 99.9 52.7 13.7 100.0 83.2 83.1 83.2 4.3 6.7 Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New Jersey and Oklahoma). Notes: a Fluid milk. Evaporated or dry milk converted to fluid equivalent. b Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. c These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. Many States reported providing food packages containing milk to infants who were eleven mo 2000. They represent 4.5 percent of all those certified as infants. 
38 

Table A 14 Quantity of Cheese Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(lbs)a

Mean All 

(lbs) 

Mean 

Receiving 

Cheese (lbs.) 

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 4 1.8 1.9 2.9 4.3 69.5 20.2 Breastfeeding women 5 2.1 2.1 0.3 3.2 20.8 73.9 Postpartum women 4 1.6 1.7 0.6 0.8 62.2 32.2 Children 4 1.5 1.6 0.3 0.6 57.0 36.8 Infantsb Receiving Cheese See Children 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.1 35.0 34.0 Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New Jersey and Oklahoma). 

Notes: a Additional cheese may be issued on an individual basis. b These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. Many States reported providing food packages containing milk or cheese to infants who were  older in April 2000. They represent 4.5 percent of all those certified as infants. 
39 

Table A 15 Quantity of Juice Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)a

Mean All 

(oz)a

Mean 

Receiving 

Juice (oz.)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 276 267.7 267.8 89.4 5.3 3.6 1.7 Breastfeeding women 322 278.9 279.0 27.0 63.0 8.4 1.5 Postpartum women 184 184.5 184.5 95.4 3.6 0.7 0.3 Infants age 4-12 months 92 71.1 89.6 53.0 1.4 25.0 0.1 Children 276 235.0 235.2 62.7 3.9 32.3 1.0 Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New Jersey and Oklahoma). 

Notes: a Single strength juice. Concentrated juice converted to single strength equivalent. Federal maximum for concentrated juice is slightly higher: pregnant (288 oz.); breastfeed postpartum (192 oz.); infants (96 oz.); children (288 oz.). 
40 

Table A 16 Quantity of Cereal Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Categorya

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz) Mean All (oz) 

Mean 

Receiving 

Cereal (oz.) 

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 

Percent o

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 36 35.2 35.2 93.5 1.3 5.0 0.0 Breastfeeding women 36 35.6 35.6 96.7 0.8 2.3 0.0 Postpartum women 36 35.0 35.1 90.3 4.7 4.8 0.1 Infants age 4-12 months 24 19.9 21.8 61.9 0.1 26.7 2.7 Children 36 34.3 34.3 84.7 8.2 5.9 1.0 Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New Jersey and Oklahoma). 

Notes: a Infants receive infant cereal. All others receive adult cereal 
41 

Table A 17 Quantity of Eggs Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(dozen)a

Mean All 

(dozen)a

Mean 

Receiving 

Eggs (dozen)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 5

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum

Pregnant women 2.5 2.0 2.0 7.3 88.3 0.4 3.9 Breastfeeding women 2.5 2.0 2.0 9.4 85.9 0.8 3.7 Postpartum women 2.5 1.8 1.9 3.1 78.9 2.0 11.5 Children 2.5 1.8 1.9 3.0 79.0 0.8 15.8 Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New Jersey and Oklahoma). Notes: a Fresh eggs. Dried egg mix converted to fresh equivalent. 
42 

Table A 18 Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Percent withType 

Allowablea Quantity 

Peanut 

Butter 

Dried 

Beans/ 

Peas 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)b

Mean 

All (oz)b

Mean 

Receiving 

(oz)b

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

75 Percent 

or More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

50-75 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pe

Rec

Less 

50 P

of F

Max

Pregnant women 60.0 78.4 18/16 16.4 16.9 97.2 0.0 0.0 Breastfeeding women 54.0 83.1 34/32 20.0 21.7 27.8 0.0 64.6 Children 50.2 79.0 18/16 15.9 16.7 95.1 0.0 0.0 Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New Jersey and Oklahoma). Notes: a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both.b Maximum for pregnant women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum for breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas an peanut butter or 32 ounces dried beans/peas. If participant can choose either beans or peanut butter, quantity is coded as 17 ounces. 
43 

Table A 19 

Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Certification Category 

Pregnant 

Women 

Breastfeeding 

Women Children 

Percent by Type Received 

 Peanut Butter 18.5% 22.5% 15.9% 

 Dried Beans/Peas 37.3 55.3 44.6 

 Indeterminanta

 41.5 31.9 34.4 

Quantity 

 Federal maximum 18/16 oz 34/32 oz 18/16 oz 

 Mean All (oz)b

 16.4 20.0 15.9 

 Peanut Butter 3.3 4.6 2.9 

 Beans 6.0 10.0 7.2 

 Indeterminanta

 7.1 5.4 5.9 

 Mean Receiving (oz)b 16.9 21.7 16.7 

 Peanut Butter 18.0 18.0 18.0 

 Beans 16.0 19.2 16.0 

 Indeterminanta

 17.0 17.5 17.0 

Percent receiving Federal maximum 97.2% 27.8% 95.1% 

Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 64.6 0.0 

Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Percent receiving none 2.8% 7.6% 4.9% 

N 819,710 381,083 3,560,448 

Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, 

New Jersey and Oklahoma). 

Notes: 

a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both.

b Maximum for pregnant women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum for 

 breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas and 18 ounces peanut butter or 32 ounces dried beans/peas. If participant 

 can choose either beans or peanut butter, quantity is coded as 17 ounces. 
44 

Table A 20 

Quantities of Carrots and Tuna Prescribed for Breastfeeding Women 

Percent of Breastfeeding Women 

Carrots: Federal maximum of 2 pounds 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 28.4% 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving none 71.5 

 

 Mean all (pounds) 0.6 lbs 

 Mean receiving carrots (pounds) 2.0 

Tuna: Federal maximum of 26 ounces 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 9.0 % 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 19.5 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving none 71.5 

 

 Mean all (ounces) 7.1 oz 

 Mean receiving tuna (ounces) 24.9 

N 381,083 

Source: PC2000 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except North Dakota, New Jersey and 

Oklahoma). 
45 

Table A 21 

Quantity and Types of Formula Prescribed for WIC Infants and Children in April 2002 

Age of Infant 

0-3 

months 

4-6 

months 

7 

months 

and 

older 

Age not 

reported 

Total 

Infants 

Receiving 

Formulaa

Children 

Receiving 

Formulab

Quantity 

 Federal maximum (oz)c 806 806 806 806 806 See Infants 

 Mean (oz), allc 697.9 729.1 744.3 667.7 723.6 779.4 

 Mean (oz), receiving formulac 748.6 777.3 787.1 791.2 770.8 779.4 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 71.8 77.4 79.0 71.9 76.0 68.5 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of 

Federal maximum 8.4 8.0 8.8 4.4 8.4 21.3 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal 

maximum 3.9 2.3 1.7 3.4 2.7 2.5 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of 

Federal maximum 9.1 6.1 5.1 4.7 6.8 7.7 

 Percent receiving none 6.8 6.2 5.4 15.6 6.1 0.0 

 

Form Allowable d 

 Concentrate 52.7 53.0 54.2 33.8 53.4 31.8 

 Powdered 58.1 57.7 57.1 66.2 57.6 41.0 

 Ready-to-feed 12.9 13.1 13.4 0.7 13.1 44.1 

 

Type Allowable d 

 With iron 99.7 99.7 99.8 100.0 99.7 99.1 

 Low-iron 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.2 

 Milk-based 86.1 84.0 84.3 85.3 84.9 72.5 

 Soy-based 41.1 41.4 42.9 43.8 41.9 28.2 

 Lactose-free 4.5 5.5 5.1 4.6 5.0 42.5 

 Metabolic 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 

 Hydrolysate 2.6 3.2 2.6 3.5 2.8 8.3 

 Special 1.4 1.3 1.0 0.2 1.2 12.4 

 Hydrolysate or Special 3.9 4.3 3.5 3.7 3.8 20.0 

 

Formula Type 

 Nonexempt 84.8 84.4 84.7 95.7 84.7 49.1 

 Exempt 3.7 4.0 3.2 3.7 3.6 10.0 

 Medical food 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 32.2 

 Not specified 11.5 11.6 12.1 0.4 11.7 8.7 

N 610,766 465,983 637,127 640 1,714,516 42,361 

Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North 

Dakota, and Oklahoma). 

Notes: 

a Excludes infants receiving milk packages. 

b 1.1 percent of participants classified as children received food packages containing formula. 

c Ready-to-feed formula. Concentrate and powdered formula converted to ready-to-feed equivalent based on reconstitution rates. 

d Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. 
46 

Table A 22 

Quantity and Types of Formula Prescribed for WIC Infants 

All Infants 

Quantity 

 Federal maximum (oz)a 806 

 Mean (oz), alla 700.9 

 Mean (oz), receiving formulaa 770.8 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 73.6 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 8.2 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 2.6 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 6.6 

 Percent receiving none 9.1 

N 1,770,099 

Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North 

Dakota, and Oklahoma). 

Notes: 

a Ready-to-feed formula. Concentrate and powdered formula converted to ready-to-feed equivalent based on reconstitution rates. 
47 

Table A 23 Quantity and Types of Milk Products Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(quarts)a

Mean 

(quarts)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

75 Percent or More 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

50-75 Percent of 

Federal Maximum 

Percent Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 28 21.0 1.0 67.3 29.4 2.1 Breastfeeding women 28 21.2 3.1 69.4 25.1 2.2 Postpartum women 24 17.2 1.4 58.5 37.3 2.6 Children 24 16.6 1.1 48.2 49.0 1.7 Infantsc Receiving Milk 24 14.7 0.3 18.3 80.5 0.8 

Percent with Form 

Allowableb Percent by Type Allowableb

Participant Category Fluid Dry 

Evaporated Whole Reduced fat (2%) 

Low-fat 

(1 or 

1 1⁄2%) 

Skim or 

Non-fat 

(0.5% or 

less) Acidophilus 

Lactose 

Reduced U

Pregnant women 99.5 24.6 34.7 97.1 95.7 93.9 93.8 12.6 11.9 Breastfeeding women 98.9 29.5 39.7 95.9 95.1 93.9 93.8 10.1 8.7 Postpartum women 99.5 22.9 29.7 98.0 96.1 94.2 94.2 12.3 9.6 Children 98.6 24.6 30.7 98.2 78.4 75.4 75.4 11.3 10.3 Infantsc Receiving Milk 99.8 36.3 38.2 99.9 59.9 52.0 52.0 6.0 5.1 Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma). Notes: a Fluid milk. Evaporated or dry milk converted to fluid equivalent. b Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. c These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. Many States reported providing food packages containing milk to infants who were eleven m

 2002. They represent 3.1 percent of all those certified as infants. 
48 

Table A 24 Quantity of Cheese Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(lbs)a

Mean All 

(lbs) 

Mean 

Receiving 

Cheese (lbs.) 

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 4 1.8 1.9 2.8 4.0 69.6 20.7 Breastfeeding women 5 2.1 2.1 0.4 2.7 21.5 73.2 Postpartum women 4 1.7 1.7 0.8 1.3 64.5 28.8 Children 4 1.6 1.6 0.4 0.7 57.4 36.1 Infantsc Receiving Cheese 4 1.6 1.7 1.9 0.2 57.7 36.8 Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma). 

Notes: a Additional cheese may be issued on an individual basis. b These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. Many States reported providing food packages containing milk or cheese to infants who were  older in April 2002. They represent 3.1 percent of all those certified as infants. 
49 

Table A 25 Quantity of Juice Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)a

Mean All 

(oz)a

Mean 

Receiving 

Juice (oz.)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 276 269.5 269.7 90.7 4.8 4.1 0.3 Breastfeeding women 322 279.7 280.2 27.8 62.6 8.0 1.4 Postpartum women 184 185.5 185.9 94.9 3.7 0.8 0.4 Infants age 4-12 months 92 66.6 86.6 49.4 1.5 25.9 0.2 Children 276 232.1 232.4 60.1 4.7 34.0 1.0 Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma). 

Notes: a Single strength juice. Concentrated juice converted to single strength equivalent. Federal maximum for concentrated juice is slightly higher: pregnant (288 oz.); breastfeed

 postpartum (192 oz.); infants (96 oz.); children (288 oz.). 
50 

Table A 26 Quantity of Cereal Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Categorya

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz) Mean All (oz) 

Mean 

Receiving 

Cereal (oz.) 

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 

Percent o

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant women 36 35.1 35.2 93.1 1.2 5.2 0.0 Breastfeeding women 36 35.3 35.5 95.4 1.0 3.1 0.0 Postpartum women 36 34.7 34.9 89.0 4.5 5.7 0.2 Infants age 4-12 months 24 19.7 21.5 60.5 0.2 27.4 3.3 Children 36 34.3 34.5 85.4 7.3 6.2 0.6 Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma). 

Notes: a Infants receive infant cereal. All others receive adult cereal 
51 

Table A 27 Quantity of Eggs Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Quantity 

Federal 

Maximum 

(dozen)a

Mean All 

(dozen)a

Mean 

Receiving 

Eggs (dozen)a

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 75 

Percent or 

More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 50-

75 Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

Less Than 5

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum

Pregnant women 2.5 2.0 2.0 6.6 89.2 0.0 3.9 Breastfeeding women 2.5 2.0 2.0 8.5 87.2 0.1 3.6 Postpartum women 2.5 1.8 1.9 2.5 79.2 2.0 10.9 Children 2.5 1.8 1.8 3.0 78.4 0.1 17.0 Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma). Notes: a Fresh eggs. Dried egg mix converted to fresh equivalent. 
52 

Table A 28 Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Percent with Type 

Allowablea Quantity 

Peanut 

Butter 

Dried 

Beans/ 

Peas 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)b

Mean 

All (oz)b

Mean 

Receiving 

(oz)b

Percent 

Receiving 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

75 Percent 

or More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Receiving 

50-75 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pe

Rec

Less 

50 P

of F

Max

Pregnant women 58.4 71.2 18/16 16.6 16.9 98.0 0.0 0.0 Breastfeeding women 51.6 79.1 34/32 20.3 21.7 28.3 0.0 65.2 Children 47.7 72.5 18/16 15.9 16.8 94.7 0.0 0.0 Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma). Notes: a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both.b Maximum for pregnant women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum for breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas an peanut butter or 32 ounces dried beans/peas. If participant can choose either beans or peanut butter, quantity is coded as 17 ounces. 
53 

Table A 29 

Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Certification Category 

Pregnant 

Women 

Breastfeeding 

Women Children 

Percent by Type Receiveda 

 Peanut Butter 26.8% 29.1% 22.5% 

 Dried Beans/Peas 39.8 60.3 47.2 

 Indeterminantb

 31.6 22.9 25.3 

Quantity 

 Federal maximum 18/16 oz 34/32 oz 18/16 oz 

 Mean All (oz)c

 16.6 20.3 15.9 

 Peanut Butter 4.8 5.9 4.0 

 Beans 6.3 10.4 7.6 

 Indeterminantb

 5.4 3.9 4.3 

 Mean Receiving (oz)c 16.9 21.7 16.8 

 Peanut Butter 18.0 18.0 18.0 

 Beans 16.0 18.8 16.0 

 Indeterminantb

 17.0 17.6 17.0 

Percent receiving Federal maximum 98.0% 28.3% 94.7% 

Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 65.2 0.0 

Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Percent receiving none 2.0% 6.5% 5.3% 

N 807,919 424,593 3,722,377 

Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, 

North Dakota, and Oklahoma). 

Notes: 

a Pregnant women and children: does not add to 100% as some participants did not receive any peanut butter or beans. 

 Breastfeeding women: counted in both peanut butter and beans if received both. 

b Food package contains either peanut butter or beans.

c Maximum for pregnant women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum for 

 breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas and 18 ounces peanut butter or 32 ounces dried beans/peas. If participant 

 can choose either beans or peanut butter, quantity is coded as 17 ounce 
54 

Table A 30 

Quantities of Carrots and Tuna Prescribed for Breastfeeding Women 

Percent of Breastfeeding Women 

Carrots: Federal maximum of 2 pounds 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 29.1% 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.1 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving none 70.8 

 

 Mean all (pounds) 0.6 

 Mean receiving carrots (pounds) 2.0 

Tuna: Federal maximum of 26 ounces 

 Percent receiving Federal maximum 9.5 

 Percent receiving 75 percent or more of Federal maximum 19.4 

 Percent receiving 50-75 percent of Federal maximum 0.3 

 Percent receiving less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0 

 Percent receiving none 70.8 

 

 Mean all (ounces) 7.2 

 Mean receiving tuna (ounces) 24.8 

N 424,593 

Source: PC2002 participant characteristics data. Analysis includes the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, 

and Oklahoma). 
55 

Appendix B: WIC Food Prescription Data Tables 1998-2002, as adapted by the USDA 

Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation to analyze exclusively 

breastfeeding women 
56 

Table B 1 

Quantity and Types of Milk Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(quarts)a

Mean 

(quarts)b

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-75 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 

50 Percent 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

None N 

Pregnant Women 28 21.5 1.2% 70.6% 27.1% 1.1% 0.0% 785,160 Breastfeeding Women 28 21.3 0.7% 73.4% 24.8% 1.0% 0.0% 246,890 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 28 22.6 7.9% 81.8% 9.9% 0.3% 0.0% 106,737 Postpartum Women 24 17.4 1.8% 59.8% 37.6% 0.8% 0.0% 516,451 Children 24 17.1 1.2% 55.1% 43.3% 4.0% 0.0% 3,585,882 Infantsc Prescribed Milk 

See 

Children 17.3 0.6% 52.0% 47.4% 0.1% 0.0% 113,896 

Percent with Form Allowableb Percent by Type Allowableb

Fluid Dry Evaporated Whole 

Reduced 

Fat (2%) 

Low-fat 

(1% or 

1.5%) 

Skim or 

Non-fat 

(.5% or less) Acidophilus 

Lactose 

Reduced 

Pregnant Women 99.9 32.7 34.2 98.6 96.8 96.5 96.8 12.1 12.8 Breastfeeding Women 99.7 42.5 43.3 99.0 97.5 97.3 97.6 8.7 8.5 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 100.0 37.7 40.8 98.4 99.5 98.4 99.4 10.4 13.8 Postpartum Women 99.9 31.2 28.6 99.0 97.5 97.1 97.6 10.5 9.2 Children 99.1 33.1 30.9 99.4 79.8 79.3 79.9 9.7 10.6 Infantsc Prescribed Milk 98.3 49.8 29.2 99.5 66.6 65.0 66.5 2.0 3.9 Source: PC1998 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in MaineNotes: a Fluid milk. Evaporated or dry milk converted to fluid equivalent. b Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. c These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. They represented 6.4% of all those certified as infants. 
57 

Table B 2 

Quantity of Cheese Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(lbs)a

Mean 

All 

(lbs) 

Mean 

Prescribed 

Cheese 

(lbs) 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 

50 Percent 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

None 

Pregnant Women 4 1.8 1.9 3.1 2.3 68.4 22.9 3.3 Breastfeeding Women 4 1.8 1.9 3.2 2.1 72.0 20.0 2.8 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 5 2.6 2.6 1.0 1.9 66.7 30.2 0.3 Postpartum Women 4 1.6 1.7 0.6 0.9 60.2 33.5 4.8 Children 4 1.5 1.6 0.3 0.4 55.1 39.2 4.9 Infantsb Prescribed Cheese 

See Children 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.1 34.7 29.1 36.1 

Source: PC1998 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in Maine.Notes: a Additional cheese may be issued on an individual basis. b Those participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. They represent 6.4% of all those certified as infants. 
58 

Table B 3 

Quantity of Juice Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)a

Mean 

All 

(oz)b

Mean 

Prescribed 

Juice (oz)c

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 

50 Percent 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribe

None 

Pregnant Women 276 272.6 272.7 93.3% 4.4% 2.1% 0.1% 0.0% Breastfeeding Women 276 266.1 266.2 87.9% 2.1% 9.6% 0.3% 0.0% Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 322 321.6 321.7 96.3% 3.3% 0.2% 0.2% 0.0% Postpartum Women 184 184.9 184.9 97.9% 1.2% 0.9% 0.0% 0.0% Infants age 4-12 months 92 72.8 94.5 54.0% 1.1% 21.9% 0.1% 22.9% Children 276 240.4 240.5 65.7% 4.5% 29.3% 0.5% 0.0% Source: PC1998 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in Maine.Notes: a Single strength juice. Concentrated juice converted to single strength equivalent. Federal maximum for concentrate juice is slightly higher: pregnant (288 oz.);  breastfeeding (366 oz .); postpartum (192 oz.); infants (96 oz.); children (288 oz.). 
59 

Table B 4 

Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

 

 Certification Category 

 Pregnant Women 

Breastfeeding 

Women 

Exclusively 

Breastfeeding 

Women Children 

Percent by Type Received 

 Peanut Butter 13.7% 9.3% 44.1% 10.8% 

 Dried Beans/Peas 34.8% 40.8% 93.7% 43.7% 

 Indeterminanta

 49.7% 40.7% 25.8% 39.9% 

Quantity 

 Federal Maximum 18/16 18/16 18/34 18/16 

 Mean All (oz)b

 16.5 15.1 32.5 15..7 

 Peanut Butter 2.5 1.7 9.4 2.0 

 Beans 5.6 6.5 19.0 7.0 

 Indeterminanta

 8.4 6.9 6.1 6.8 

 Mean Prescribed (oz)b

 16.9 16.7 32.6 16.7 

 Peanut Butter 18.0 18.0 21.3 18.0 

 Beans 16.0 16.0 22.4 16.0 

 Indeterminanta

 17.0 17.0 19.6 17.0 

Percent prescribed Federal maximum 97.7% 90.8% 96.1% 94.3% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.0% 0.0% 3.9% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed none 2.3% 9.2% 0.0% 5.6% 

N 785,160 246,890 106,737 3,610,604 

 

Source: PC1998 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, 

 and infants in Maine). 

Notes: a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both. 

 b Maximum for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum 

 for exclusively breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas and 18 ounces peanut butter. 
60 

Table B 5 

Quantity of Carrots and Tuna Prescribed for Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 

 

 Percent of Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 

Carrots: Federal maximum of 2 pounds 

 Percent prescribed Federal maximum 99.8% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 

 Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.2% 

 Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.0% 

 Percent prescribed none 0.0% 

 

 Mean all (pounds) 2.0 

 Mean prescribed carrots (pounds) 2.0 

Tuna: Federal maximum of 26 ounces 

 Percent prescribed Federal maximum 31.0% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 68.8% 

 Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.1% 

 Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal maximum 0.1% 

 Percent prescribed none 0.0% 

 

 Mean all (ounces) 24.8 

 Mean prescribed tuna (ounces) 24.9 

N 

 

106,737 

 

Source: PC1998 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and infants in 

Maine.
61 

Table B 6 

Quantity and Types of Milk Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(quarts)a

Mean 

(quarts)b

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 

50 Percent 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

None N 

Pregnant Women 28 21.2 1.0% 68.9% 28.5% 1.5% 0.0% 819,710 Breastfeeding Women 28 21.0 0.6% 71.2% 26.5% 1.7% 0.0% 272,329 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 28 22.4 7.1% 78.8% 13.0% 1.0% 0.0% 108,753 Postpartum Women 24 17.3 1.7% 56.5% 40.2% 1.6% 0.0% 529,999 Children 24 17.0 1.0% 53.0% 45.0% 1.0% 0.0% 3,520,348 Infantsc Prescribed Milk 

See Children 17.4 0.4% 57.0% 42.5% 0.1% 0.0% 81,139 

Percent with Form Allowableb Percent by Type Allowableb

Fluid Dry Evaporated Whole 

Reduced 

Fat (2%) 

Low-fat 

(1% or 

1.5%) 

Skim or 

Non-fat 

(.5% or less) Acidophilus 

Lacto

Reduc

Pregnant Women 99.6 31.4 33.5 98.9 96.6 95.2 96.5 12.1 1Breastfeeding Women 99.2 40.0 38.1 99.1 97.2 96.7 97.4 10.0 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 99.5 38.1 40.6 98.3 98.8 98.7 98.6 10.5 Postpartum Women 99.5 29.3 28.7 99.2 97.4 97.3 97.4 12.5 Children 98.7 32.0 29.7 99.5 78.9 79.1 79.0 10.9 1Infantsc Prescribed Milk 99.9 52.7 13.7 100.0 83.2 83.1 83.2 4.3 Source: PC2000 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).Notes: a Fluid milk. Evaporated or dry milk converted to fluid equivalent. b Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. c These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. They represented 4.5 percent of all those certified as infants. 
62 

Table B 7 Quantity of Cheese Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(lbs)a

Mean 

All 

(lbs) 

Mean 

Prescribed 

Cheese 

(lbs) 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 

50 Percent 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

None 

Pregnant Women 4 1.8 1.9 2.9 4.3 69.5 20.2 3.1 Breastfeeding Women 4 1.9 1.9 3.4 2.7 72.5 19.1 2.3 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 5 2.7 2.7 1.0 2.4 66.5 29.7 0.3 Postpartum Women 4 1.6 1.7 0.6 0.8 62.2 32.2 4.1 Children 4 1.5 1.6 0.3 0.6 57.0 36.8 5.3 Infantsb Prescribed Cheese 

See Children 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.1 35.0 34.0 30.9 

Source: PC2000 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).Notes: a Additional cheese may be issued on an individual basis. b Those participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. They represent 4.5 percent of all those certified as infants. 
63 

Table B 8 

Quantity of Juice Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)a

Mean 

All 

(oz)b

Mean 

Prescribed 

Juice 

(oz)c

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

None 

Pregnant Women 276 267.7 267.8 89.4% 5.3% 3.6% 1.7% 0.0% Breastfeeding Women 276 262.5 262.6 85.7% 1.7% 11.2% 1.3% 0.0% Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 322 320.1 320.1 95.7% 3.2% 0.2% 0.8% 0.0% Postpartum Women 184 184.5 184.5 95.4% 3.6% 0.7% 0.3% 0.0% Infants age 4-12 months 92 71.1 89.6 53.0% 1.4% 25.0% 0.1% 20.6% Children 276 235.0 235.2 62.7% 3.9% 32.3% 1.0% 0.1% Source: PC2000 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).

Notes: 

a Single strength juice. Concentrated juice converted to single strength equivalent. Federal maximum for concentrate juice is slightly higher: pregnant (288 oz.); breastfeeding (366 oz .); postpartum (192 oz.); infants (96 oz.); children (288 oz.). 
64 

Table B 9 

Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

 

 Certification Category 

 Pregnant Women 

Breastfeeding 

Women 

Exclusively 

Breastfeeding 

Women Children 

Percent by Type Received 

 Peanut Butter 18.5% 12.5% 47.7% 15.9% 

 Dried Beans/Peas 37.3% 39.6% 94.6% 44.6% 

 Indeterminanta 41.5% 36.8% 19.7% 34.4% 

Quantity 

 Federal Maximum 18/16 18/16 18/34 18/16 

 Mean All (oz)b 16.4 14.9 32.8 15.9 

 Peanut Butter 3.3 2.2 10.4 2.9 

 Beans 6.0 6.3 19.1 7.2 

 Indeterminanta 7.1 6.3 3.3 5.9 

 Mean Prescribed (oz)b 16.9 16.7 32.8 16.7 

 Peanut Butter 18.0 18.0 21.7 18.0 

 Beans 16.0 16.0 22.9 16.0 

 Indeterminanta 17.0 17.0 20.2 17.0 

Percent prescribed Federal maximum 97.2% 89.4% 97.4% 95.1% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.0% 0.0% 2.6% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed none 2.8% 10.6% 0.0% 4.9% 

N 819,710 272,329 108,753 3,560,448 

 

Source: PC2000 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).

Notes: a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both. 

 b Maximum for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum 

 for exclusively breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas and 18 ounces peanut butter. 
65 

Table B 10 

Quantities of Carrots and Tuna Prescribed for Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 

 

 Percent of Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 

Carrots: Federal maximum of 2 pounds 

 Percent prescribed Federal maximum 99.7% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 

 Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.1% 

Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 

 Percent prescribed none 0.2% 

 

 Mean all (pounds) 

 

2.0 

 Mean prescribed carrots (pounds) 

 

2.0 

 

Tuna: Federal maximum of 26 ounces 

 Percent prescribed Federal maximum 31.6% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 68.2% 

 Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.1% 

Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal 

maximum 0.1% 

 Percent prescribed none 0.0% 

 

 Mean all (ounces) 

 

24.9 

Mean prescribed tuna 

(ounces) 

 

24.9 

N 

 

108,753 

 

Source: PC2000 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (except Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).
66 

Table B 11 Quantity and Types of Milk Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(quarts)a

Mean 

(quarts)b

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

None N 

Pregnant Women 28 21.0 1.0% 67.3% 29.4% 2.1% 0.2% 807,919 Breastfeeding Women 28(24) 20.7 0.8% 66.4% 29.8% 2.7% 0.3% 300,339 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 28 22.3 8.5% 76.4% 13.8% 1.1% 0.1% 124,254 Postpartum Women 24 17.2 1.4% 58.5% 37.3% 2.6% 0.3% 560,972 Children 24 16.6 1.1% 48.2% 49.0% 1.7% 0.1% 3,680,016 Infantsc Prescribed Milk 

See 

Children 14.7 0.3% 18.3% 80.5% 0.8% 0.0% 55,370 

Percent with Form Allowableb Percent by Type Allowableb

Fluid Dry Evaporated Whole 

Reduced 

Fat (2%) 

Low-fat (1% 

or 1.5%) 

Skim or 

Non-fat 

(.5% 

or less) Acidophilus 

Lacto

Reduc

Pregnant Women 99.5 24.6 34.7 97.1 95.7 93.9 93.8 12.6 1Breastfeeding Women 98.6 28.4 40.1 95.5 94.2 92.5 92.4 10.0 Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 99.5 32.0 38.8 97.0 97.4 97.3 97.2 10.4 1Postpartum Women 99.5 22.9 29.7 98.0 96.1 94.2 94.2 12.3 Children 98.6 24.6 30.7 98.2 78.4 75.4 75.4 11.3 1Infantsc Prescribed Milk 99.8 36.3 38.2 99.9 59.9 52.0 52.0 6.0 Source: PC2002 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).Notes: a Fluid milk. Evaporated or dry milk converted to fluid equivalent. b Responses are not mutually exclusive so percentages may add to more than 100 percent. c These participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. They represented 3.1 percent of all those certified as infants. 
67 

Table B 12 

Quantity of Cheese Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(lbs)a

Mean 

All 

(lbs) 

Mean 

Prescribed 

Cheese 

(lbs) 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 

50 Percent 

of Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

None 

Pregnant Women 4 1.8 1.9 2.8 4.0 69.6 20.7 2.8 8Breastfeeding Women 4 1.8 1.9 2.8 2.6 71.6 20.1 2.9 3Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 5 2.7 2.7 1.4 2.4 67.2 28.7 0.4 1Postpartum Women 4 1.7 1.7 0.8 1.3 64.5 28.8 4.7 5Children 4 1.6 1.6 0.4 0.7 57.4 36.1 5.5 3Infantsb Prescribed Cheese 4 1.6 1.7 1.9 0.2 57.7 36.8 3.5 5Source: PC2002 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).Notes: a Additional cheese may be issued on an individual basis. b Those participants were classified as infants at their most recent certification. They represent 3.1 percent of all those certified as infants. 
68 

Table B 13 

Quantity of Juice Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

Federal 

Maximum 

(oz)a

Mean 

All 

(oz)b

Mean 

Prescribed 

Juice (oz)c

Percent 

Prescribed 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

75 Percent 

of More of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

50-74.9 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Percent 

Prescribed 

Less Than 50 

Percent of 

Federal 

Maximum 

Pregnant Women 276 269.5 269.7 90.7% 4.8% 4.1% 0.3% Breastfeeding Women 276 263.4 263.9 86.4% 2.0% 10.7% 0.7% Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 322 319.3 319.4 95.0% 3.2% 1.1% 0.7% Postpartum Women 184 185.5 185.9 94.9% 3.7% 0.8% 0.4% Infants age 4-12 months 92 66.6 86.6 49.4% 1.5% 25.9% 0.2% Children 276 232.1 232.4 60.1% 4.7% 34.0% 1.0% Source: PC2002 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).Notes: a Single strength juice. Concentrated juice converted to single strength equivalent. Federal maximum for concentrate juice is slightly higher: pregnant (288 oz.);  breastfeeding (366 oz .); postpartum (192 oz.); infants (96 oz.); children (288 oz.). 
69 

Table B 14 

Quantity and Type of Legumes Prescribed for WIC Participants by Participant Category 

 

 Certification Category 

 Pregnant Women 

Breastfeeding 

Women 

Exclusively 

Breastfeeding 

Women Children 

Percent by Type Received 

 Peanut Butter 26.8% 20.3% 50.2% 22.5% 

 Dried Beans/Peas 39.8% 46.1% 94.7% 47.2% 

 Indeterminanta

 31.6% 24.9% 18.0% 25.3% 

Quantity 

 Federal Maximum 18/16 18/16 18/34 18/16 

 Mean All (oz)b

 16.6 15.2 32.6 15.9 

 Peanut Butter 4.8 3.6 11.5 4.0 

 Beans 6.3 7.3 18.0 7.6 

 Indeterminanta

 5.4 4.2 3.1 4.3 

 Mean Prescribed (oz)b

 16.9 16.7 32.7 16.8 

 Peanut Butter 18.0 18.0 22.9 18.0 

 Beans 16.0 16.0 22.8 16.0 

 Indeterminanta

 17.0 17.0 20.0 17.0 

Percent prescribed Federal maximum 98.0% 90.9% 96.6% 94.7% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.0% 0.0% 3.2% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

Percent prescribed none 2.0% 9.1% 0.2% 5.3% 

N 807,919 300,339 124,253 3,722,377 

 

Source: PC2002 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).

Notes: a Food package contains either peanut butter, beans, or both. 

 b Maximum for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children is 16 ounces dried beans/peas, or 18 ounces peanut butter. Maximum 

 for exclusively breastfeeding women is 16 ounces dried beans/peas and 18 ounces peanut butter. 
70 

Table B 15 

Quantities of Carrots and Tuna Prescribed for Exclusively Breastfeeding Women 

 

 

Percent of Exclusively Breastfeeding 

Women 

Carrots: Federal maximum of 2 pounds 

 Percent prescribed Federal maximum 99.6% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 

 Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.2% 

Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal 

maximum 0.0% 

 Percent prescribed none 0.2% 

 

 Mean all (pounds) 2.0 

 Mean prescribed carrots (pounds) 2.0 

 

Tuna: Federal maximum of 26 ounces 

 Percent prescribed Federal maximum 32.5% 

Percent prescribed 75 percent or more of Federal 

maximum 66.4% 

 Percent prescribed 50-74.9 percent of Federal maximum 0.9% 

Percent prescribed less than 50 percent of Federal 

maximum 0.1% 

 Percent prescribed none 0.1% 

 

 Mean all (ounces) 24.8 

Mean prescribed tuna 

(ounces) 24.8 

N 

 

124,254 

 

Source: PC2002 participant characteristic data. Analysis includes 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico (Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma).