Once Upon a Farm Achieves WIC Approval in California, Reaching 20-State Milestone

Rhea-AI Summary

Once Upon a Farm (NYSE: OFRM) announced WIC authorization in California on April 17, 2026, bringing its Baby Food Bowls to 20 WIC-authorized states. The Baby Food Bowls are described as the first and only organic, refrigerated baby food eligible under WIC, increasing access for program participants.

The company said WIC authorization will allow eligible families to purchase Baby Food Bowls at participating retailers in California and other listed states, with availability noted at select retailers statewide.

Positive

• WIC authorization extended to California, reaching 20 states
• First and only organic refrigerated baby food approved for WIC
• Improved access for WIC participants to organic refrigerated baby food

Negative

• Availability limited to select retailers in California

News Market Reaction – OFRM

+4.09%

+4.09% Session close to close

In the Apr 17 session, OFRM gained 4.09%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement expands Once Upon a Farm’s WIC-authorized Baby Food Bowls to 20 states, reinforcin...

Analysis

This announcement expands Once Upon a Farm’s WIC-authorized Baby Food Bowls to 20 states, reinforcing its strategy of increasing access through public nutrition programs. Combined with 2025 net sales of $240.7M and a recent IPO that raised $139.3M, the news fits a broader growth and distribution story. Investors may watch how WIC availability supports volumes alongside prior product launches and how this interacts with margins and post-IPO execution risks.

Key Figures

WIC-authorized states: 20 states Child age limit: Up to 5 years Q4 2025 net sales: $64.0M +5 more

8 metrics

WIC-authorized states 20 states Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls WIC eligibility including California

Child age limit Up to 5 years Children covered by WIC nutrition program benefits

Q4 2025 net sales $64.0M Fourth quarter 2025 net sales from recent 8-K

FY 2025 net sales $240.7M Full year 2025 net sales in 10-K and 8-K

Q4 2025 net income $22.5M Fourth quarter 2025 net income vs prior-year loss

FY 2025 net loss $17.2M Full year 2025 net loss narrowing from prior year

IPO net proceeds $139.3M Net proceeds raised in February IPO

S2G ownership 5,642,446 shares (14%) Schedule 13G reporting beneficial ownership stake

Historical Context

4 past events · Latest: Mar 31 (Positive)

Pattern 4 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Mar 31	Product expansion	Positive	+7.2%	Largest portfolio expansion with five new protein-focused product lines.
Mar 12	Earnings results	Positive	-7.3%	Strong Q4 and FY 2025 sales growth and 2026 guidance after IPO.
Mar 02	Product debut	Positive	+1.6%	Launch of meat, legume pouches and protein smoothies at Expo West.
Feb 26	Earnings date	Neutral	+0.8%	Announcement of timing and access details for Q4 and FY 2025 results.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Product and portfolio expansion headlines have previously coincided with positive moves, while the latest strong earnings release saw a negative reaction, suggesting some asymmetry between news tone and price response.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Once Upon a Farm has combined rapid financial growth with steady product innovation. A March earnings release reported strong Q4 and full-year 2025 results and 2026 guidance, yet shares fell about 7.27%. In contrast, March product launch news around protein-focused pouches and snacks saw gains of 7.21% and 1.59%. Today’s WIC authorization in California and expansion to 20 states fits into this distribution- and access-driven growth story.

Key Terms

wic, non-gmo

2 terms

wic regulatory

"Families enrolled in Women, Infants and Children nutrition program can now purchase"

WIC is a government nutrition assistance program that provides food, nutrition education and health referrals to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children. For investors, WIC matters because it affects demand for specific food items, retail foot traffic and reimbursement flows to healthcare and food suppliers—think of it as a steady, targeted customer base funded by public programs that can influence revenues for companies serving those consumers.

non-gmo technical

"baby food that is refrigerated, organic, non-GMO, with no added sweeteners"

Non-GMO means a product or ingredient was produced without genetic modification techniques — the plant or organism’s DNA has not been intentionally altered in a laboratory. Investors care because non-GMO labeling can affect consumer demand, price premiums, shelf access and supply-chain cost; think of it like an organic or “no added hormones” label that can open certain markets, change margins, and create reputational risk or advantage for companies.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Families enrolled in Women, Infants and Children nutrition program can now purchase Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls and select pouches at certain retailers statewide

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BERKELEY, Calif., April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Once Upon a Farm™, the mission-driven brand known for bringing organic, farm-fresh nutritious snacks and meals to families, is continuing its WIC™ expansion adding California to its growing list of state approvals. With this approval, Once Upon a Farm's Baby Food Bowls are now WIC-authorized in 20 states nationwide making it easier than ever for parents enrolled to access fresh, organic baby food for their little ones.

Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls are the first and only organic, refrigerated baby food eligible for WIC.

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC™) and provides federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.

A First-of-Its Kind Achievement

Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls hold a distinction as the first and only line of organic, refrigerated baby food to be eligible under the WIC program. The commitment to raising the standard for childhood nutrition and proving that fresh, nutritious, baby food isn't just possible but accessible is in Once Upon a Farm's DNA.

Making Childhood Nutrition Healthier, Happier and More Equitable

Once Upon a Farm's participation in the WIC program reflects the company's mission to shape the future of food. A passion project from the beginning, Jennifer Garner, Co-Founder at Once Upon a Farm, reflects on this milestone. "We believe that every child deserves the best possible nutrition in their most critical early years. WIC authorization in California brings us one important step closer to that vision."

A True Parent's Ally

At its heart, Once Upon a Farm is built not only for children but to support parents, caregivers and families in making it easier to choose fresh, nutritious options they can feel good about. By earning WIC authorization across 20 states, Once Upon a Farm is removing barriers that have historically made it difficult to find baby food that is refrigerated, organic, non-GMO, with no added sweeteners and free from artificial flavors and colors. Those enrolled in WIC will no longer have to choose between convenience and quality, they can have both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is WIC and who qualifies?

• WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a federally funded nutrition assistance program that provides food benefits to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to five years old who meet income eligibility requirements. Families can use WIC benefits to purchase approved food items at participating retailers.

Q: What Once Upon a Farm products are WIC-authorized?

• Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls are currently WIC-authorized in 20 states including California. WIC participants in eligible states can use their benefits to purchase Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls at participating retailers. 

Q: What states are Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls WIC-authorized in?

• Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls are WIC-authorized in 20 states across the United States. States included are California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Q: Is Once Upon a Farm the first organic, refrigerated baby food approved under WIC?

• Yes. Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls are the first and only line of organic, refrigerated baby food to receive WIC authorization making them a first-of-its-kind option for families enrolled in the program. 

Q: Where can I buy Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls with WIC benefits in California?

• Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls are available at select retailers across California. 

About Once Upon a Farm
Once Upon a Farm, PBC (NYSE: OFRM) is redefining the organic kids' food category and shaping the future of food. Guided by its mission to drive systemic improvement in childhood nutrition for a happier, healthier, more equitable world, the Company offers a portfolio of crave-worthy snacks and meals designed for children from babies through big kids. Every Once Upon a Farm product is organic, non-GMO, contains no added sugar and is free from artificial flavors and colors – just simple, real, nutritious food kids ask for and parents trust. For more information visit www.onceuponafarmorganics.com, follow @onceuponafarm on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Media Contact
press@uponafarm.com

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SOURCE Once Upon a Farm, PBC

FAQ

What did Once Upon a Farm (OFRM) announce on April 17, 2026 about WIC in California?

They announced WIC authorization in California for Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls, expanding to 20 states. According to the company, this approval makes their Baby Food Bowls WIC-eligible in California and allows participating WIC families to buy them at select retailers statewide.

Which Once Upon a Farm products are WIC-authorized as of April 17, 2026 (OFRM)?

Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls are WIC-authorized in 20 states. According to the company, Baby Food Bowls are the approved items and are the first organic, refrigerated baby food eligible under WIC.

Which states are Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls WIC-authorized in as of April 17, 2026 (OFRM)?

They are WIC-authorized in 20 states, including California, Texas, New York, and Florida. According to the company, the full list includes states such as California, Florida, New York, Texas, Michigan, and 15 others named in the announcement.

Is Once Upon a Farm (OFRM) the first organic refrigerated baby food approved under WIC?

Yes. According to the company, Baby Food Bowls are the first and only line of organic, refrigerated baby food to receive WIC authorization. The company positions this as a first-of-its-kind WIC-eligible product for program participants.

Where can WIC participants buy Once Upon a Farm Baby Food Bowls in California after the April 17, 2026 approval (OFRM)?

WIC participants can buy them at participating, select retailers across California. According to the company, Baby Food Bowls will be available at select retailers statewide that accept WIC benefits for the approved product.

How does Once Upon a Farm's WIC approval in California affect parents and caregivers (OFRM)?

It expands access to refrigerated organic baby food for eligible WIC families in California and 19 other states. According to the company, this reduces barriers between convenience and quality by making Baby Food Bowls purchasable with WIC benefits at select retailers.