WIC is a special supplemental food program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women, infants, and children under five years of age. WIC helps you and your baby get healthy foods and healthy advice in the first years of life.
On this page
Benefits
If you're eligible for WIC, you'll receive at no cost:
- A monthly package of delicious, nutritious foods
- Valuable tips on healthy eating
- Health care referrals
- Breastfeeding support
WIC Food Package
The WIC food package provides nutritious foods to supplement your regular meals. You can choose some or all of the following, free of charge:
- Eggs
- Beans
- Cheese
- Baby formula
- Peanut butter
- White and chocolate milks
- Hot and cold cereals
- A selection of 100% fruit juices
- Canned tuna for breastfeeding mothers
- Whole wheat bread and tortillas
- Fresh and canned fruits and vegetables
- Baby food fruits and vegetables
- Baby food meats for breastfed infants
Getting WIC
Who is Eligible
To be eligible for the program, a woman, infant, or child must meet the income guidelines and be at medical or nutritional risk. Low iron levels in the blood (anemia), underweight, overweight, or poor diet are typical examples. A nurse or nutritionist will determine if an applicant is eligible for the WIC program.
You can check your income against the current guidelines to see if you may qualify.
If you receive TANF, Food Stamps or Medicaid, you automatically meet WIC income guidelines.
Apply in Person
USDA policy requires that applicants must apply in person for WIC benefits at their local county health department or WIC clinic. Parents not wanting to bring their newborns in to the WIC clinic have a 60-day period during which the newborn must be seen at the WIC clinic.
Find a county health department
What to bring to your WIC appointment
Applicants must bring proof of income, residence, and identification to their WIC appointment.
Examples of proof of income:
- A current pay stub less than 60 days old
- A signed statement from an employer indicating gross income earnings for a specified pay period
- Current W-2 forms
- An income tax return for the most current year
- Proof of Medicaid, TANF, or Food Stamps
Examples of proof of residence:
- Pieces of mail that include the client's current address (e.g. current utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
- A valid driver's license with the current address
- A mortgage/rental agreement
Examples of proof of identification:
- A valid driver license
- A social security card
- A valid U.S. passport
- A current shot record
- A military ID
- A newborn crib card
For more information about Maternal and Child Health Programs and the MCH Block Grant, call 1-800-721-7222.
