LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct. 1, 2025) — Nebraskans enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutrition program are seeing new food benefit rules begin today. The changes are part of a larger federal overhaul of WIC food packages, but Nebraska’s implementation starts now.
The state’s Department of Health & Human Services and WIC program have alerted participants that “benefits you receive after Oct. 1 will look different from those issued before Oct. 1.”
Among the adjustments participants may notice:
- More whole grain options for adults.
- Canned or pouched fish will be eligible for both children and adults.
- Expanded substitution options for items like milk, eggs, and juice.
- Changes in dairy, cheese, baby foods, whole grains, and juice allocations.
- For infants, more produce options and flexibility in how baby foods are issued.
Nebraska’s WIC serves around 35,000 people monthly at over 100 clinic sites across the state.
The timing coincides with clinic changes in some regions: starting Oct. 1, the Central District Health Department (CDHD) will expand WIC clinic coverage in Nebraska to include Hamilton and Merrick counties (alongside Hall County).
These local updates reflect a broader federal rule change in 2024, when USDA finalized revisions to WIC food packages to align with updated dietary science and to put more emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and flexibility in food choice.
States nationwide have until April 2026 to fully implement all aspects of the rule.