WIC, short for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps families with young children eat well during the most important years for growth and development. It provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to other services. WIC is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and delivered through state and local agencies, usually at a local WIC clinic or health department.
Quick facts
- Who it helps: pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5.
- Where to apply: your state or local WIC agency.
- Cost: free.
- Works with: WIC can be received in addition to SNAP.
Who qualifies
To receive WIC you generally need to meet four requirements:
- Category. You are pregnant, recently pregnant (postpartum), breastfeeding, or you are the parent or guardian of an infant or child under 5. Fathers, grandparents, foster parents and other guardians can apply on behalf of a child.
- Residency. You live in the state where you apply.
- Income. Your household income is at or below the WIC limit, which is generally 185 percent of the federal poverty level. You may also be automatically income-eligible if you or your child receive benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid or TANF.
- Nutrition risk. A health professional, often at the WIC clinic, determines whether there is a nutrition-related need. This is a quick, free screening and may include a simple height, weight or blood test.
Many families who qualify do not realize it. Working families often meet the income guidelines, particularly larger households. If you are unsure, ask your local WIC office, because the staff can tell you quickly.
What WIC provides
- Healthy foods: benefits for items such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, beans, peanut butter and, for infants, formula and baby food. Exact packages depend on who is enrolled and the state.
- Nutrition education: practical guidance on feeding your child and eating well during and after pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding support: help from trained staff and peer counselors, and in some places breast pumps.
- Referrals: connections to health care, immunizations and other community services.
How to apply
- Contact your WIC agency. Start from the USDA WIC page, which helps you find your state’s program, or dial 211 for a local clinic.
- Book an appointment. Many clinics offer in-person, phone or video appointments.
- Bring documents. Typically you will need identification, proof of where you live, proof of income (or proof you receive SNAP, Medicaid or TANF), and each person applying for benefits. Pregnant applicants may need a note or information about the pregnancy.
- Complete the screening. The visit usually takes under an hour. If eligible, you will receive an electronic benefits card or similar method and learn how to shop for WIC foods.
Shopping with WIC
WIC benefits are tied to approved foods. Look for WIC shelf labels in participating stores, and use your state’s WIC app if one is offered to check which items are covered. If an item is declined at the register, ask a store manager to check the product code, since packages and sizes matter.
Tips
- Enroll as early in pregnancy as you can to get the most from the program.
- Attend your recertification visits so benefits are not interrupted. Children are generally recertified every six months to a year.
- Tell the clinic if your income, address or household changes.
- Pair WIC with SNAP and with free community resources found through 211.