I don’t use WIC. I don’t know the rules. I would suggest reading the fine print to find out what the government is really makpid. I don’t know the Rav, but how can he say so unequivically that as long as you buy these staples, that’s all the government cares about. Did he ask? If every 5 years these companies bid a price, then you can be sure the govt. is makpid (as are the winning bidders) that you only take the approved brands. I sold things to the government for almost 10 years, am familiar with the RFP process and under what terms and expectations companies bid and awards made. In the case of OJ, let’s say for example that Tropicana came in with a price of $2 for a container, it is based on assumptions (which is based on govt data) of how many containers will move off the shelves. The more people that take another brand instead doesn’t allow them to charge more. The RFP surely contains language and assurances that the govt will take steps to ensure Tropicana (or whoever is the winning bidder) that those who use WIC will take their brand.
Everything else aside, what ever happened to “hin tzedek”?