Alaska WIC Program

Alaska WIC is administered by the Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance, but delivered through about a dozen local agencies — a mix of state-run clinics, Alaska Native regional health corporations, and community nonprofits — covering 14 regions across the state. The program provides free healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and community services for pregnant women, new parents, infants, and children up to age 5.

Who WIC Serves in Alaska

WIC is open to pregnant and breastfeeding women, women up to six months after giving birth (or up to a year if breastfeeding), infants, and children up to their 5th birthday. Fathers, foster parents, grandparents, and other guardians can apply on behalf of an eligible child. To qualify, a household needs to live in Alaska, show a nutrition-related risk that WIC staff can help identify at your appointment, and meet income guidelines. WIC does not consider immigration status when determining eligibility.

What Your Benefits Include

Once approved, you get an eWIC card loaded monthly with funds for specific foods like milk, eggs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and infant formula. The card works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores statewide. Most participants use the free WICShopper app to track their benefits, confirm an item is approved before they buy it, and find nearby authorized stores. WIC also connects breastfeeding participants to free, 24/7 virtual lactation support through a statewide partnership with Pacify Health — video calls, phone calls, and texting with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, no appointment needed — which is especially valuable given how few lactation professionals serve Alaska's rural regions.

How WIC Works Across Alaska

Because Alaska WIC is delivered through local agencies rather than a single office, the fastest way to get started is to call the WIC clinic nearest you. Local agencies range from the Municipality of Anchorage's own clinics to Alaska Native regional health organizations such as Southcentral Foundation, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel, Norton Sound Health Corporation in Nome, and the Maniilaq Association in Kotzebue — many serving as regional hubs for surrounding villages. Families in Fairbanks North Star Borough and throughout Southeast Alaska are served by the state's own Midnight Sun WIC team, which works by phone and mail rather than a walk-in clinic — a practical necessity in communities reachable only by plane or boat.

Staying Enrolled

Recertification timing depends on your category: pregnant participants are certified through delivery, breastfeeding participants up to a year postpartum, non-breastfeeding postpartum participants for six months, and children annually. Your local WIC agency will notify you before your certification period ends — don't wait until the last week to schedule, particularly in areas where appointments depend on travel or mail.