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WIC Approved foods specifically address these nutrient gaps2: • Cereal, eggs, whole grains, beans, infant cereal, and infant meats contain iron to reduce deficiencies. • Milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, soy milk, eggs, fish, and fruits and vegetables supply calcium, vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals to reduce deficiencies. • Cereal, whole grains, and beans are rich in folic acid and folate, which are essential for fetal development in early pregnancy. • Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reduce chronic disease risk and support healthy weight • Fruits and vegetables, infant fruits and vegetables, cereal, whole grains, and beans contain fiber, which helps to support healthy weight by increasing satiety, lowers energy density of foods, and reduces cravings.2 Alabama WIC utilizes WICHealth.org as an alternate delivery method for nutrition education contacts. This resource includes nutrition education as well as tips and healthy recipes utilizing WIC foods. WICHealth.org will continue to be utilized to help encourage breastfeeding, educate about preventing nutrition related diseases and support participants in utilizing their WIC food benefits. By enhancing breastfeeding support and maximizing the use of nutritious WIC food packages, Alabama can reduce infant and maternal health disparities, prevent nutrition-related diseases, and build healthier futures for low-income families.

District Data for Needs Assessment The percentage of infants that ever breastfed from October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, ranged from just under 40% to 70% in districts across the state of Alabama.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Ever Breastfed (%) October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025