Women, Infants, and Children Program

The WIC program aims to help low income and nutritional at-risk women, infants and children. Though federally funded, each state manages their own WIC program. This includes determining the WIC eligibility requirements, provide benefits, services and determining what foods WIC participants can purchase using their voucher/checks or in some cases, their EBT card, at WIC authorized food stores.

Applying for WIC Benefits

If you are new to WIC and want to apply, then you will need to schedule an appointment with your local WIC office to see if you are eligible. In most states to be eligible for WIC, you will need to meet categorical, residential, and income requirements and have a nutritionist or health physician determine if you and or your infant/child are a nutrition risk. To find out what all the requirements are to become a WIC participant, then view the details on how to apply for WIC benefits in your state.

Approved WIC Food List

Part of the benefits you will receive while on the WIC program is being able to purchase healthy and nutritious foods at your local grocery store. When you first apply for the program, you would normally visit the staff at your local WIC office. If they determine you are eligible, they will give you WIC checks/vouchers, or in some states a WIC EBT card, which allows you to purchase food items from a WIC Approved list. To find out what specific foods you can purchase at a WIC approved vendor and tips on how to properly shop using your benefits, check out the list of WIC approved foods in your state.

WIC Participants

If you are currently on WIC, then you have access to nutritious foods, counseling at your local WIC clinics, nutrition education and access to screenings and referrals to other health, welfare and social services. If you have questions or issues about the WIC program, select your state below to find out how to contact the department that handles WIC to get assistance.

This is a short-term program, in most cases it lasts from 6 months to a year. So it is important that you make sure you continue attending your appointments so they can monitor you and your family's health. If you are planning to move to a new city or out of state, you will need to notify your local WIC clinic so they can help you transfer your benefits to your new address.