If you or your family receive WIC benefits, big changes are coming in 2026. The USDA is updating the program to make it more flexible and easier to use. These updates focus on giving you more ways to buy fruits and vegetables and increasing the amount of milk you can get.
Here is a simple breakdown of what is changing and how it affects your monthly food budget.
More Fruit and Vegetable Options
In the past, WIC focused heavily on dry goods and dairy, and the addition of produce is still a relatively recent change. For a while, the produce benefit was often restricted to fresh items. However, fresh food can spoil quickly, which is hard for families who shop once a month.
Starting in April 2026, all states must offer at least one “non-fresh” option. This means you will have more freedom to choose:
- Frozen fruits and veggies
- Canned goods
- Dried fruits or vegetables
These options are helpful if you live far from a grocery store or want to make your benefits last longer. While 95% of states already allow these choices, the remaining states must catch up by the April deadline.
Monthly Benefit Amounts for 2026
WIC benefits are adjusted for inflation each year. However, due to government rounding rules, you might only see a small increase.
Here are the expected monthly amounts for 2026:
- Children: $26 per month.
- Pregnant and Postpartum Women: $48 per month (a $1 increase).
- Breastfeeding Women: $52 per month (fully or mostly breastfeeding).
Note on Substitutions: The “juice substitution” stays at $3 (about 64 ounces). Infant food substitutions also remain the same at $11 for a half substitution or $22 for a full one.
Temporary Milk Increase
There is a special boost for milk drinkers! Congress approved a temporary increase to the maximum amount of milk allowed in WIC packages.
- When: Effective now through September 30, 2026.
- How much: Depending on your specific WIC package, you could receive between 16 to 24 quarts of milk per month. That is up to six gallons!
This change brings milk levels back to where they used to be before previous cuts. Keep in mind that this is temporary, so these amounts may go back down after September 2026.
How to Get Even More Food
Because WIC is run by individual states, some areas offer “Double Up” programs. These programs are often linked to Farmers Markets and can help you get twice as much produce for the same amount of benefit money. It is always a good idea to check with your local WIC office to see if a Double Up program is active in your area.
Relief Recap
These 2026 updates provide more flexibility by allowing you to buy frozen or canned produce and offering a temporary boost to your monthly milk supply. While cash benefit increases are small due to rounding rules, the added variety makes it easier to shop for your family’s specific needs. Keep an eye on your local state guidelines to see exactly when these new shopping options go live near you.