Revised July 2026 Connecticut WIC Program Manual

WIC 300-14 SECTION: Nutrition Services SUBJECT: Issuance of Milk (Whole, 2%, 1%, skim) and Yogurt

Federal Regulation: §246.10 Whole milk is the standard milk of issuance for children 12 months to 23 months of age. The standard milk of issuance for children in categories C2, C3, C4 (≥ 24 months to 60 months of age) and women in Food Packages IV-VII is low-fat (1%) or non-fat (skim) milk. The issuance of milk includes fluid, evaporated, non-fat powder and lactose-reduced forms. Yogurt Whole fat and low fat yogurt is the standard issuance for children 12-23 months old. Low fat and non-fat yogurt is the standard issuance for children 2-4 years of age. For children and women, 1 quart of yogurt may be substituted for 1 quart of milk with a maximum of 2 quarts of yogurt that may be substituted for 2 quarts of milk. Exceptions to Standard Milk Issuance for 1 year olds Fat-reduced milk (2%, 1% or skim) and/or fat-reduced yogurt can be provided to 1 year old children (12- to 23 months of age) when overweight or obesity is a concern. The WIC Nutritionist should make the determination for the need for fat-reduced milks and/or fat- reduced yogurt based on an individual nutrition assessment and consultation with the child’s health care provider. Issuance of Whole Milk and Whole fat yogurt to children 2 years of age and over and for women Whole milk/Whole fat yogurt may be issued to medically fragile children over 2 years of age and women only in Food Package III, with medical documentation of a qualifying medical condition and corresponding ICD code, along with the need for a nutritional supplement. Issuance of Reduced fat (2%) milk Reduced fat (2%) milk is authorized only for participants with certain qualifying conditions (see below with corresponding Nutrition Risk codes). The need for reduced fat (2%) milk for children ≥ 24 months of age (Food Package IV) and women (Food Packages V, VI and VII) must be determined following a complete nutrition assessment but does not require a Medical Documentation Form. Identifying the cause of these conditions is critical in ensuring positive health outcomes for WIC participants and may require the Nutritionist provide referrals to local food banks, SNAP or contacting the participant’s health care provider (HCP) for further discussion. As always, partnering with the participant to ensure positive health outcomes is the main goal.

Revised July 2026 The qualifying risks for reduced fat (2%) milk issuance for women include Pre-pregnancy or Postpartum Underweight (BMI <18.5) (101), and Low Maternal Weight Gain or Weight Loss (131). For children, the qualifying risks include At Risk of Underweight or Underweight (103), Slowed/Faltering Growth Patterns (135), and Failure to Thrive (134). It is critical that adequate documentation is provided in the Nutrition Notes screen in CT-WIC why reduced fat (2%) milk was issued AND that the need for continual issuance is reassessed throughout the certification process. Please be advised that the State agency will be monitoring the issuance of reduced fat (2%) milk to ensure compliance with this policy. Issuance of Soy Based Beverage The determination of issuance of soy based beverage will be based on an individual nutrition assessment. Medical documentation is not required for issuance of soy milk as a milk substitute. Rationale may include milk allergy, lactose intolerance, vegan diets and religious preference.

Additional Information Helping WIC Participants make the switch to low fat and fat free milk