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Using the WIC Food Lists to Identify Grains for the CACFP

These worksheets can be used to empower Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) providers and operators with the knowledge, skills and expertise to implement CACFP meal pattern requirements. Download the print version for a fillable worksheet. 

woman shopping for cereals on the WIC list

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides lists of foods that can be purchased with WIC benefits. This list is called the WIC Authorized Foods List (WIC list) and includes specific brands and product names of foods. Each state has its own WIC list. In some states, it may be called the “Approved WIC Foods Shopping Guide” or a similar name. 

You can use any state’s WIC list to choose yogurt and grain items that can be counted toward a reimbursable meal or snack in the CACFP.

Whole Grains, Breakfast Cereals, Infant Cereals, and Yogurt on WIC Lists

Whole Grains

illustration of breads in a basket
  • All grain products, other than cereals, on WIC lists are treated as whole grains and can be used to meet the CACFP whole grain-rich requirement. This includes all bread, rice, pasta, oatmeal, barley, bulgur, and tortilla (corn and wheat) products.
  • Not all ready-to-eat breakfast cereals on WIC lists are whole grain-rich. You will need to look for symbols or labels indicating which breakfast cereals are a whole grain.

Breakfast Cereals

illustration of a whole-grain cereal box and bowl with spoon
  • All cereals on WIC lists meet on WIC lists meet the CACFP added sugars limit of no more than 6 grams of added sugars per dry ounce.
  • Not all cereals listed on WIC lists are whole grain-rich. If you intend to serve the cereal as a whole grain-rich food, make sure the WIC list indicates that the cereal is whole grain.
  • You can serve enriched or fortified cereals listed on WIC lists as a grain item that is not whole grain-rich in the CACFP.

Infant Cereals

illustration of infant cereal in a bowl
  • All infant cereals listed on WIC lists meet CACFP requirements for iron-fortified infant cereal.

Yogurt

illustration of a yogurt container
  • All yogurt listed on WIC lists meet the CACFP added sugars limit of no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces (2 grams of added sugars per ounce). 

Non-Grain Foods on WIC Lists

  • WIC lists cannot be used to determine if non-grain foods, except yogurt, can be served in the CACFP.
  • Juice, milk, eggs, tofu, fruits, and vegetables on WIC lists may not always be creditable towards the CACFP meal pattern requirements. See the Food Buying Guide for more information about these food items.
  • Yogurts listed on WIC lists meet the CACFP added sugars limit.

How to Use the WIC List

illustration of a woman with a shopping basket looking at a WIC list on a smartphone

You can find the WIC lists by visiting the WIC website for the state WIC program. You can use the WIC list for any state, not just your state.

  1. Find the the section of the WIC list that applies to the infant cereal, breakfast cereal, yogurt, or whole-grain food.
  2. Check the WIC list to see if any brands are specified for the yogurt or grain you want to buy. If so, be sure to choose only the brands listed.
  3. Check the WIC list to see if there are specific product names or types listed under the brands. If so, be sure to choose only the product names or types listed.
  4. Disregard information about package size. You may purchase the same brand and product type in different amounts than what is listed on the WIC list. For example, you can buy a 48-ounce box of cereal instead of a 36-ounce box.
Page updated: May 08, 2026