Kids & Family
WIC Recipients Allowed Grocery Substitutions: Coronavirus
WIC participants are allowed certain substitutions during the coronavirus crisis if regular items are not available.
PORTSMOUTH, RI — During the coronavirus crisis, Women, Infants and Children recipients have access to more grocery options. The policy change was made to ensure there is enough access to food supplies during grocery shortages.
The temporary change will remain in effect through at least May 31, according to the East Bay Community Action Program. While the State of Emergency is in place, the following food substitutes are allowed when the usual item is unavailable.
- Two half-gallons of milk instead of one gallon
- Two quarts of milk instead of a half-gallon
- Four quarts of milk instead of one gallon
- Two half-dozen boxes of eggs instead of one dozen
- Two 8oz packages of cheese instead of a 16oz package
- Whole grain in place of another whole gran, such as whole wheat pasta or brown rice in place of breads or tortillas or vice versa
- Dried beans for canned beans and vice versa
- 2 percent milk has been added to the approved milk list
- The addition of multi-pack and other sizes of yogurt to the approved list (must be approved brands)
- Additional approved sizes for whole grains: 14oz to 24 oz, must be 100 percent whole grain or whole wheat
- Addition of boil-in-the-bag brown rice
- Ability to buy several whole grains on a single check
More information is available on the organization's website.
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Latest headlines
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.