Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) provides science-based advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.  The 2025–2030 DGA emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—while reducing highly processed foods high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and excess sodium. 

WIC staff can incorporate the updated DGA into nutrition education efforts and materials for WIC participants through recommendations such as:

• Eat the right amount for you, paying attention to portion sizes, particularly for foods and beverages higher in calories.
• Prioritize protein foods at every meal.
• Consume dairy.
• Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day.
• Incorporate healthy fats like nuts and olive oil.
• Focus on whole grains.
• Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates.
• Limit alcoholic beverages.

The DGA also includes considerations for special populations including:

• Infancy & Early Childhood (birth-4 years)
• Pregnant Women
• Lactating Women

Professional and Educational Resources

You can read or download the full guidelines at realfood.gov, where you can also download a Daily Servings Guide. Additional resources will be available in the future.

Other Resources

What Do I Do With – a series showcasing a collection of recipes, tips, information, and ideas for WIC staff to help participants use the foods in their WIC food packages.

What Do I Do With My – a printable series designed to help participants get the most out of their food package; this series provides information about specific WIC foods, meal and snack ideas using that food, and a featured recipe.

WIC Meals of the Month – a nutrient-themed collection of recipes using WIC foods that are good sources of the highlighted nutrient.

Eye on Nutrition – a companion series to the WIC Meals of the Month series that provides educational resources, with each edition focusing on a nutrient important to the WIC population.

Nutrient Infographics – a series of six, one-page infographics that highlight the importance of key nutrients.