What Is WIC? The Nutrition Program Explained
Updated August 2026
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well during some of the most important years for growth and health. It provides food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare for income-eligible participants.
What WIC Stands For
WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The "special supplemental" designation means it is targeted at specific populations identified as at nutritional risk, rather than being a general food assistance program. The program is authorized under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
WIC is not the same as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), though families may qualify for both. For a detailed comparison, see WIC vs SNAP.
What Benefits Does WIC Provide?
WIC provides four core types of support:
Supplemental Foods
Monthly food package including dairy, eggs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, juice, and infant formula — delivered via WIC EBT card.
Nutrition Education
Individual or group sessions with a WIC nutritionist at each certification and recertification appointment.
Breastfeeding Support
Peer counseling, lactation consultation, and breast pump coverage in many states for mothers who breastfeed.
Referrals
Connections to healthcare, social services, and other community programs based on your family's needs.
For the full breakdown, see WIC Benefits and WIC Approved Foods.
Who Administers WIC?
WIC is a federal program funded by Congress through the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) — formerly known as the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) — but it is administered at the state level. Each state and the District of Columbia has its own WIC agency that runs the program according to federal rules. This means your specific food list, approved formula brands, and application process depend on where you live.
WIC program details vary by state: find your state's rules and contacts →
WIC vs Other Food Assistance Programs
WIC is often confused with SNAP, but the two programs differ significantly in who they serve, what benefits they provide, and how benefits are used. WIC is specifically targeted at at-risk mothers and young children, while SNAP covers a broader population.
See the full comparison: WIC vs SNAP →
Receiving SNAP or Medicaid automatically satisfies WIC's income requirement — you do not need to document income separately if you already receive either of those programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WIC stand for?
WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federally funded nutrition program administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA), formerly known as the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
Is WIC a federal or state program?
WIC is federally funded by the USDA but administered by individual state agencies. Each state sets its own approved food lists and contracted formula brands within the rules set by USDA FNA.
How long has WIC existed?
WIC began as a two-year pilot program in 1972 and was made a permanent program in 1974 under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. See the full history of the WIC program for more.
How many people use WIC?
WIC serves about 6.9 million participants each month nationwide, including an estimated 41% of all infants born in the United States. See our WIC statistics page for the full breakdown.
Is WIC the same in every state?
No. While the core federal rules are the same nationwide, each state administers its own WIC program with its own approved food list, contracted formula brands, application process, and office locations. Use the state directory to find details for your state.