How to Get the Most from Your WIC Coupons

Thousands of women in the United States receive WIC benefits to help them get enough of certain nutrients while pregnant and breastfeeding, but do you know how to make the most out of your WIC checks each month? Try some of these tips and tricks for stretching your WIC dollars as far as they can go and get more food for free than you thought possible.

Sales

When purchasing WIC foods, look for sales that allow you to buy one and get one free. Grocery stores often run these types of sales, so you can sometimes get double the amount of food for free. Check the newspapers to see what stores in your area are offering the items that you need on a buy one get one free deal. Even if it's only on one item, you will be able to get twice as many as you normally would for nothing.

Compare Nutrients

When shopping for WIC foods, check the labels on different brands. Many times, one product will be better than another. Some cereals, for example, will be higher in vitamins than another. You should also try to go with the cereal that has the lowest amount of sugar possible. Check labels on dairy products as well. Oftentimes, cheeses will contain preservatives and other non-natural ingredients that you may want to avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Buying based on nutrients is especially important when purchasing juice. You can stretch your WIC coupon to buy healthier food for you and your baby by getting juices that are higher in vitamins and minerals. Apple juice and other single-fruit juices tend to be low in nutrients and high in sugar. If you like V8 Juice, buy that instead. If you are like me and can't stand V8, cut it with ½ fruit juice to improve the taste. You can also opt to buy mixed vegetable and fruit juices such as Juicy Juice's Harvest Surprise or V8 Splash.

Buy All-Natural

Depending on your state, most WIC chapters will allow you to purchase foods that are all-natural. All-natural foods contain no toxic chemicals and no artificial colors or preservatives, so they are healthier for you and your baby. Check ingredients on the back to make sure your food is as natural as possible.

It is especially important to make sure that you choose only natural versions of peanut butter. Regular peanut butter contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oils which are very dangerous and extremely bad for you and your baby. If you don't like the natural brands, try Skippy Natural peanut butter instead. It does not separate and has the exact same consistency as regular peanut butter. You really can't tell the difference!

Freeze Excess

When buying food that is on sale in bulk or when getting foods that you do not consume much, freeze the excess to keep it from going bad. You can always use it at some point in the future and it will help save money when you need it after the baby is born.

Salmon, Not Tuna

Tuna fish contains very high levels of mercury that are not safe for you or your baby. Opt instead for canned salmon. It contains much lower levels of mercury and can be prepared the exact same way as tuna fish. Salmon is also higher in Omega 3 fatty acids and calcium. Don't remove the bones. They are good for you. If you can't stand the texture, mash the bones with a fork and mix them into the salmon.