The WIC program is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC benefits can be used to purchase specific nutritious foods, receive nutrition education, and get referrals to health care.
To get food assistance with the WIC program, you need to contact your state or local WIC agency. You can find the contact information for your state’s WIC agency on the USDA’s WIC website.
When you contact your WIC agency, you will need to provide some information about yourself and your family, such as your income, household size, and your child’s age. You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency.
If you are eligible for WIC, you will be given a WIC card. You can use your WIC card to purchase specific nutritious foods at authorized WIC vendors. The foods that are available through WIC vary by state, but they typically include:
Milk
Cheese
Eggs
Yogurt
Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Peanut butter
Beans
Fish
Meat
In addition to providing food assistance, WIC also offers nutrition education and referrals to health care. Nutrition education can help you learn about how to make healthy choices for yourself and your family. Health care referrals can help you get the medical care you need to stay healthy.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a young child, you may be eligible for WIC. Contact your state or local WIC agency today to learn more about how this program can help you and your family.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
USDA WIC website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
WIC Helpline: 1-800-942-WIC1 (942-9421)
WIC National Resource Center: https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/