California WIC Authorized Food List - Shopping Guide - April 13, 2026

Oct 12, 2026

Uploaded by Miles

California WIC Authorized Food List Shopping Guide (April 13, 2026) explains how WIC participants can use an authorized foods framework tied to individual food categories and CDPH Authorized Product List entries. It outlines how to find WIC-approved stores, including use of the California WIC Card QR code at authorized farmers’ markets and guidance for using the California WIC App to view benefits and scan foods. It also provides shopping tips and rules on receipts, problem reporting, and limitations such as added-sugar restrictions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Important Information

Ways to Find a WIC Authorized Grocery Store

Shop at the Farmers’ Market with WIC

New Shopping Options

More Flexibility

Year-Round Market Shopping

Make Shopping Simple with the California WIC App

If You Have Problems at the Grocery Store

Shopping Tips

Smart Shopping Tips

Look for Fresh Foods

No Added Sugars—Shopping Tips

Helpful Hint: Check Ingredients

California WIC Authorized Food List Shopping Guide April 13, 2026 Important Information Important Information About the WIC Authorized Food List Shopping Guide Authorized food items are specific to each individual food category and subcategory. All authorized products must be included in the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Authorized Product List. For a copy of the Authorized Product List, visit the California Health and Human Services Open Data Portal at [https://data.chhs.ca.gov](https://data.chhs.ca.gov). If a manufacturer makes a Non-Material Change to an authorized Brand Specific product, CDPH will continue to authorize that food for purchase. Non-Material Changes include changes to brand name, product name, and/or product or logo artwork. The WIC Authorized Food List Shopping Guide can be [downloaded at](downloaded at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov. If you)[ MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.](downloaded at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov. If you)[ If you](downloaded at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov. If you) are a WIC participant, you can also get a copy from your local WIC office. Ways to Find a WIC Authorized Grocery Store • Use the free California WIC App on your smart phone. • [Go to](Go to MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov)[ MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov](Go to MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov). • Look for the WIC logo near the front door or window of the store. • Ask your local WIC office for a list of stores in your area. Shop at the Farmers’Market with WIC The California WIC Card has a QR code. Use it to buy fresh produce at WIC authorized farmers’markets. New Shopping Options More farmers now accept the California WIC Card. More Flexibility You can spend part of your monthly benefit with more than one farmer or use it all at once. Year-Round Market Shopping Use your monthly WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit any time of the year. your California WIC Card at WIC authorized farmers’ markets. Scan the QR code for more information on how to use your California WIC Card! Farmers’ Market Ca l iforn ia WIC App Use the California WIC App Make Shopping Simple! Check your California WIC App before you shop. The App helps your family track your benefits, appointment times, and more! View your benefits. Check your WIC Food Balance and expiration date in the WIC App. Scan WIC foods. Scan foods as you shop to find your WIC approved foods. Find WIC offices, grocers, and farmers’markets. Use the WIC App to find WIC offices, WIC authorized grocers, and WIC authorized farmers’markets near you. See upcoming appointments. Never forget your WIC appointments with the WIC App. Receive notifications. Get notifications about important WIC updatesand reminders. 1 | Download today! Search “California WIC App”in the Apple App (iOS) and Google Play (Android) stores and look for this logo. 2 | Open the WIC App and register. Register using the 16-digit number on your California WICCard and follow the steps below: (A) Tap right corner to choose preferred language. (B) Tap Register. Fill in registration fields.(C) Tap Register at the bottom to save. Ca l iforn ia WIC App If You Have Problems at the Grocery Store • Ask to speak with the store manager. • Contact your local WIC office if you are not satisfied, or • Contact the State WIC Program at [1-800-852-5770](1-800-852-5770 or WIC@cdph.ca.gov)[ or](1-800-852-5770 or WIC@cdph.ca.gov)[ WIC@cdph.ca.gov](1-800-852-5770 or WIC@cdph.ca.gov). • Save your store receipt. • Report the following information: ° date, ° time, ° store name,° names of the store staff involved, and ° details of the situation. 6 Shopp ing Tips Smart Shopping Tips Keep these tips in mind when shopping for WIC foods. Save while you shop! 09/01–09/08 • Create a weekly meal plan based on sale items. • Check store ads and websites for sales. • Make a grocery list. • Use grocery store loyalty cards. • Use coupons. • Buy store or generic brands. • Take advantage of “

FAQs

How are authorized WIC food items determined for participants?

Authorized food items are tied to specific individual food categories and subcategories. All authorized products must be listed in the CDPH Authorized Product List.

How can a participant find WIC authorized stores and markets?

Use the California WIC App, visit MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov, look for the WIC logo near the store entrance, or ask a local WIC office for nearby options.

What should participants know about shopping rules and exchanges for WIC foods?

Foods bought with WIC benefits may not be returned for cash or credit and may not be exchanged for non-WIC foods. Exchanges are allowed only for an identical item when the original item is defective, spoiled, or exceeded a date limiting sale or use.

Oct 12, 2026

Uploaded by Miles