In celebration of National Nutrition Month, SEARHC would like to share all the healthy food available through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as the WIC program. Nationally funded by the USDA, families have access to free, nutritious food through WIC.
To ensure you and your child have access to all the nutrients your body needs for a balanced diet, WIC offers a variety of healthy options. Below is a list of the foods available for eligible WIC families. Beneath each food group list is a link to recipes featuring ingredients from that group, including additional health information.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are important to healthy eating because they are a great source of protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants and minerals such as iron, zinc, copper and magnesium. Whole grain options available through WIC include:
- Whole grain bread
- White or yellow corn tortillas
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat pasta including spaghetti, rotini, penne and orzo.
Read more about the nutritional benefits of whole grains and learn a variety of whole grain recipes here.
Fruits and Vegetables (Fresh, Canned or Frozen)
Making fresh fruit and vegetables a part of your daily diet is important as they can help lower blood pressure, minimize the risk of heart disease and stroke, help prevent cancer and reduce the risk of digestive problems. Fresh fruit and vegetables available through WIC include:
- Bagged salads and vegetables
- Any variety of potatoes
- Precut and packaged fruits or vegetables
- Organic fruits and vegetables
- Canned vegetables (no added sugars, syrups, fats, oils or salt)
- Green or wax beans
- Frozen black beans, pinto beans or black-eyed peas
- Unsweetened or no sugar applesauce
Read more about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables, including different recipes here.
Cereals
Similar to whole grains, cereals are chock full of nutrients the body needs, such as iron, B vitamins and zinc. Because they are usually low in fat but higher in calories, cereals are a good source of energy that helps maintain body weight and supports healthy digestion. Through WIC, both hot and cold cereal options are available including approved brands of:
- Grits
- Cream of wheat
- Corn flakes
- Crispy rice
- Bran flakes
- Oats
- Frosted shredded wheat
Read more about the nutritional benefits of cereal, including different recipes here.
Juices (Frozen, Shelf Stable or Refrigerated)
Drinking fruit and vegetable juices is a quick and easy way to enjoy the minerals, vitamins and bioactive compounds your body needs to sustain good health. Juice options available through WIC are:
- Apple
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Pineapple
- Grape
- Juice blends
- Tomato (shelf-stable and refrigerated only)
- Vegetable blends (shelf-stable and refrigerated only)
Read more about the nutritional benefits of each type of juice here.
Dairy
Milk and dairy foods are rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, potassium, vitamins D, A, B12 and riboflavin. A variety of dairy options are available through WIC including:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Tofu
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Soy milk
Read more about the nutritional benefits of dairy, including different recipes here.
Protein
Because protein is used to build and repair muscle and skin tissue, incorporating enough protein into a balanced diet is important. Protein options available through WIC include:
- Dry or canned beans
- Canned salmon
- Canned tuna
- Sardines
- Canned mackerel
- Peanut butter
Read more about the nutritional benefits of the canned proteins Alaska WIC provides, including different recipes here.
Please download the Alaska WIC Approved Food List to learn specific details about which brands and amounts are available.
If you are pregnant, just gave birth, or are breastfeeding, WIC can refer you and your child to quality healthcare resources. WIC also supports and encourages women to breastfeed by providing free education and support from breastfeeding peer counselors. Free manual and electric breast pumps can be borrowed. Infant food options are also available through the WIC program.
For more WIC information, please call or visit one of the locations listed below:
JUNEAU WIC CLINIC
Phone: 907.463.4099
Toll-free: 800.330.2229
Fax: 907.463.6672
Location: 1046 Salmon Creek Lane, Juneau, AK 99801
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.; Wednesday 8:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. (walk-in only); Friday Closed
KETCHIKAN WIC CLINIC
Phone: 907.225.3392
Fax: 907.247.3392
Mailing: 605 Gateway Court, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Location: 605 Gateway Court, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 A.M.- 12 noon and 1:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
METLAKATLA WIC CLINIC
Phone: 907.886.5875
Fax: none
Mailing: 92 Upper Milton Street, Room #4 Metlakatla, AK 99926
Location: 92 Upper Milton Street, Room #4 Metlakatla, AK 99926
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Please note: the Metlakatla WIC Clinic is a Women, Infant, and Children food and nutrition service, not a healthcare facility.
SITKA WIC CLINIC
Phone: 907.623.0.WIC (0942)
Fax: .907.966.8966
Location: 210 Moller Drive Sitka, AK 99835 (in the Sitka Public Health Center building)