WIC Program Guide

Nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 years old.

What is WIC?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Who Qualifies?

Categorical Eligibility

Women
  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding mothers (up to 1 year postpartum)
  • Postpartum mothers (up to 6 months)
Children
  • Infants (birth to 1 year)
  • Children (1 to 5 years old)

Income Requirements

Household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. You automatically qualify if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF.

Nutritional Risk

A health professional will determine if you have a nutrition-related risk such as anemia, underweight, poor diet, or medical conditions. Most applicants meet this requirement.

What Does WIC Provide?

Healthy Foods

WIC provides specific nutritious foods including:

  • Infant formula and baby food
  • Milk, cheese, yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Whole grain bread, cereal, rice, pasta
  • Peanut butter, beans, canned fish
  • Infant and child cereal

Nutrition Education

WIC offers classes and counseling on healthy eating, meal planning, and feeding children.

Breastfeeding Support

Lactation consultants, breast pumps, and support groups for breastfeeding mothers.

Healthcare Referrals

Connections to healthcare, immunizations, and other community services.

How to Apply

  1. Contact Your Local WIC Office: Call or visit to schedule an appointment
  2. Attend Certification Appointment: Bring required documents
  3. Meet with Health Professional: Height, weight, and health screening
  4. Receive Benefits: Get your WIC card or vouchers to shop

Documents to Bring

  • Proof of identity (ID, driver's license)
  • Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, SNAP award letter)
  • Immunization records for children

Using Your WIC Benefits

Most states now use WIC EBT cards (like a debit card) instead of paper vouchers. Shop at WIC-authorized stores and purchase approved WIC foods. The cashier will separate WIC items from other purchases.

Tip: Ask for the WIC shopping guide at your local office or download the WIC Shopper app to find approved products.

Need Additional Food Help?

WIC is a supplement. Food banks can provide additional assistance.

Find Food Banks