What Does WIC Cover in Texas?

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program aims to provide nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children. Recipients receive coupons stating which types of food products they can receive, depending on personal circumstances. It is a nationwide program, but each state administers the benefits to local residents.

Nutrition Goals

The program aims to give foods that are high in protein, iron, vitamins A and C and calcium to recipients. The Texas WIC program underwent changes in 2009 to include more fresh fruits and vegetables and decrease the amount of saturated fat. These changes also included room for dietary preferences, such as substituting soy milk for cow's milk.

Age-Based Choices

The types of foods that you receive through WIC in Texas varies based on age and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For example, a pregnant woman can receive milk, cereal, cheese, juice, eggs, beans and peanut butter, fruits and vegetables and whole grains. A breastfeeding woman receives increased amounts of those foods and an additional allowance for tuna or salmon. Children also receive allowances for these food items, but babies receive the food in the form of baby food -- after turning six months old. Formula-fed babies can receive formula.

Breastfeeding Training

One of the goals of the WIC program is to encourage mother's to breastfeed. Breast milk is best for most babies and is less expensive than formula. To support this premise, new mothers can receive breastfeeding training and support through the WIC program. With this training, mothers can circumvent some of the pitfalls that may cause a woman to stop breastfeeding.

Farmers Market Coupons

The Texas WIC program gives an allowance for fresh fruits and vegetables -- up to $10. If you choose, you can receive special coupons that you can use to purchase these allowances at a farmers market. Since the prices at a farmers market are typically less than those at the grocery store, it allows you to buy more food for your money.