Oklahoma WIC Formulary

What Is the WIC Formulary?

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a federal nutrition assistance program administered by each state. In Oklahoma, the WIC Formulary is the official list of foods and nutrition products that participants may receive with their benefits. The list is designed to meet the specific dietary needs of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, toddlers, and young children up to age five.

Every item on the formulary has been selected based on nutritional science, costeffectiveness, and the typical eating patterns of Oklahoma families. The formulary is updated periodically to reflect changes in nutrition guidelines, product availability, and feedback from participants.

How the Formulary Works

When a participant qualifies for WIC, a certified nutritionist conducts a facetoface assessment and creates a personalized food package. The nutritionist uses the formulary to select foods that will provide the needed nutrientssuch as iron, calcium, vitamin D, and proteinwhile also fitting the participants cultural preferences and household size.

Benefits are delivered through an electronic card that can be used at authorized retailers. The card is programmed to allow purchases only of items that appear on the Oklahoma WIC Formulary, in the quantities specified by the participants nutrition plan.

Core Food Categories

The Oklahoma WIC Formulary is organized into several broad categories. Below is a summary of each category and examples of eligible items.

1. Milk and Milk Substitutes

• Lowfat or nonfat milk (1% or 0%)
• Reducedfat (2%) milk (for families with infants under 1 year)
• Fortified soy milk (unsweetened, 1% or 2% calcium)
• Lactosefree milk (1% or 0% fat)

2. Cheese

• Lowfat string cheese (partskim)
• Reducedfat cheddar, mozzarella, or other block cheeses

3. Eggs

• Fresh eggs (any size)
• Frozen egg substitutes that contain at least 6g of protein per serving

4. Cereal and Grain Products

• Wholegrain infant cereals (ironfortified)
• Wholegrain or enriched bread, bagels, and tortillas
• Wholegrain or enriched rice, pasta, and cereal grains

5. Fruits and Vegetables

• Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits (no added sugar)
• Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables (no added salt or sauces)
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice (no sweeteners)

6. Meat, Poultry, and Fish

• Lean cuts of beef, pork, or lamb
• Skinless poultry
• Canned tuna or salmon (in water, no added salt)

7. Infant Formula and Other Specialty Items

• Standard infant formula (cowmilkbased) for infants under 12months
• Specialized formulas for infants with lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, or metabolic conditions (must be prescribed)
• Hippuric acidfree vitamins for pregnant women (as recommended by a health professional)

Sample Monthly Allocation

The exact quantity of each item a participant receives depends on factors such as age, pregnancy status, breastfeeding status, and household size. The table below illustrates a typical allocation for a family with a pregnant woman, a 2yearold child, and a 4yearold child.

How to Find Eligible Products

Most grocery stores, supermarkets, and some pharmacies in Oklahoma are WICauthorized. Look for the WIC sticker on product shelves or ask a store associate. If you are unsure whether an item is eligible, you can:

• Check the online Oklahoma WIC product lookup tool (available on the state health department website).
• Call the local WIC office and provide the brand and size of the product.
• Ask the cashier to scan the product; the system will confirm eligibility instantly.

Common Questions

Can I use WIC benefits for organic or specialty brands?

Yes, as long as the product meets the nutrition specifications and is listed on the formulary. Many organic milks, cheeses, and cereals are eligible, but you should verify the exact brand and size.

What if I run out of a product before my next benefit reload?

Contact your local WIC office. In some cases, you can receive an emergency cash allowance or an early reload if a shortage is documented.

Are there any items that are never on the Oklahoma WIC Formulary?

Items that contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, highfat sauces, or nonnutritive ingredients are generally excluded. This includes candy, soda, chips, and most preflavored snack foods.

Can I exchange a product for a cash equivalent?

No. WIC benefits are purposespecific and can only be used for eligible foods. Cash equivalents are not permitted.

Staying Informed About Updates

The Oklahoma WIC Formulary is reviewed annually. Changes may include:

• New product additions (e.g., a new fortified cereal).
• Removal of items that no longer meet nutritional standards.
• Adjustments to portion sizes based on updated dietary guidelines.

To ensure you have the most current information:

• Subscribe to the Oklahoma State Department of Health WIC newsletter.
• Visit the official WIC website regularly (link below).
• Attend quarterly nutrition education sessions offered at most WIC clinics.

Oklahoma WIC Official Site

Contact Information

If you have specific questions about the formulary or need assistance with your benefits, you can reach your nearest WIC office:

• Phone: 18002209267
• Email: wic@oklahoma.gov
• Find a Local Office: WIC Office Locator