RiverStone Health WIC Updates Food Benefits
The program has expanded produce allowances and approved new whole grain and dairy-free options for local families.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Healthy Food
Live Poll
Do government assistance programs provide enough flexibility for families to access healthy foods?
RiverStone Health WIC has updated its food packages as of October 2026 to include more flexible nutrition choices. Participants can now access these expanded benefits for fruit, vegetables, and select pantry staples through the Healthy Together app.
Why it matters
These updates are designed to offer families improved flexibility and better access to nutritious food options. By incorporating modern dietary preferences, the program aims to better support the health and dietary needs of nearly 3,000 local participants.
Eligible children receive $27 in monthly produce benefits, while breastfeeding participants receive $53 or up to $79.50 for multiples. Approved food additions now include quinoa and Ripple pea protein milk.
The players
RiverStone Health
This public health organization serves the Billings area and manages regional WIC program administration.
The details
The program has officially added quinoa as an approved whole grain option and Ripple pea protein milk as a substitute for cow's milk. Participants in Yellowstone, Carbon, Stillwater, and Musselshell counties can manage their updated benefits and find food availability via the Healthy Together app.
Timeline
October 2026 marked the start of the updated WIC food choices and produce benefits.
Culture Shift
The transition reflects a broader shift toward accommodating diverse dietary needs within federal nutrition assistance programs. This approach mirrors a move away from rigid, legacy food lists toward flexible options that reflect modern consumption habits.
Participants can immediately utilize their increased monthly fruit and vegetable allowances at participating retailers. Families should use the Healthy Together app to verify that new items like quinoa and pea protein milk are scanned correctly at checkout.
The takeaway
Families enrolled in the program should update their Healthy Together app to stay current with the latest approved product list. Taking advantage of the increased produce benefits helps maximize the nutritional value of monthly food packages.
Further reading
Learn more about local nutritional support programs in the Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KULR-8 Local News.
Live Poll
Do government assistance programs provide enough flexibility for families to access healthy foods?
