WIC provides families a package of nutritious foods specifically chosen to support the nutritional needs of pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children up to their fifth birthday. WIC also conducts health screenings and provides nutrition education and health referrals.
WIC benefits are distributed on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Each month, participants receive an allocation to purchase specific foods at authorized retail stores.
The foods participants receive come from a food package specifically designed to support the nutritional needs of pregnant or postpartum women, infants, or young children.
WIC also provides breastfeeding support, nutrition education, health screenings, and referrals to physicians and other services like immunizations.
Participants receive two nutrition education visits per year — in person or virtual — and must visit the WIC office annually with their child for health screenings.
Families participating in Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF are automatically eligible for WIC.
If your family is not currently participating in one of those programs, your household income must be under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Gross income includes all income from your job or self-employment, and other income like social security, disability, child support, worker’s comp, unemployment, and pension income.
Infants and children do not need to reside with their mother to be eligible. Dads, foster parents, grandparents, and other caretakers can apply for WIC for children in their care.
No citizenship requirement.
To apply for WIC, you must make an appointment at a local WIC agency. Search for a WIC agency by county or zip code or call 844-901-0962.
Dads, foster parents, grandparents, and other caretakers can apply for WIC for children in their care. WIC is available to any caretakers that meet the income, residential, and nutrition screening requirements as long as they have children under age 5 in their care.
Proof of Identification
Driver’s license, photo ID, birth certificate for your infant or child.
Proof of Income
Paycheck stubs or income tax form.
Proof of Residency
Utility bill or recent mail with dated postal stamp.
Most WIC participants must attend four appointments per year: Appointments are every three months. The initial application and annual re-certification appointments must be in person at the WIC agency, but some appointments may be conducted over the phone:
Families with complex nutrition or health requirements may have more visits to support their well-being.
WIC benefits can be redeemed at authorized retail stores. For a list of authorized retailers, contact your closest WIC agency.
Some farmers’ markets accept WIC to purchase fresh produce. Look for the WIC logo at farmers’ markets near you. Learn more online.
WIC provides specific foods. Food packages include milk (cow and soy), cheese, yogurt, tofu, eggs, legumes, whole grains, hot and cold breakfast cereals, and juice. Participants also receive a cash voucher to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
Learn more about WIC food packages and the types of foods provided by WIC.
WIC does not help participants purchase diapers or feminine products. The National Diaper Bank can help you located a diaper program near you.
There are several programs that support families with children, from pregnancy through high school. Learn more about nutrition programs for families with children.