WIC Basics
You may have heard of WIC, but aren’t sure exactly what it is or how it could benefit you and your family. You’re probably wondering – what exactly is WIC? Am I eligible? How do I apply? What are the benefits of participating in the WIC program? Find out answers to your questions and learn how this federal program can help you and your child or children achieve better health through improved nutrition.
What Is WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children – or WIC – is a federally funded nutritional program administered on the state level. What this means is that while the government funds the program, individual states are responsible for providing access to the program and its associated services. The program was established in 1974 in order to protect the health of those who may not be getting adequate nutrition – specifically pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who need assistance obtaining healthy foods.
Who Is Eligible?
Low-income women, infants, and children up to age five may be eligible to receive food vouchers and other nutritional and health-related services at a qualified WIC agency. Unlike food stamps, WIC is not an entitlement program. Not everyone who is eligible will necessarily receive benefits. Once an agency has reached maximum capacity, applicants are screened based upon certain priorities. These include, but are not limited to:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers as well as infants who are at nutritional risk due to medical problems
- Children up to five years old who are at nutritional risk due to serious medical issues
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and children at nutritional risk due to poor diet
- Non-breastfeeding post-partum mothers at nutritional risk
The income limits for the WIC program are quite high. You might be surprised to find out you qualify, even if you work a full-time job and earn a living above the poverty level. For example, the current income limit for a family of four is over $44,000 per year.
If you receive certain benefits such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) you may already be eligible for WIC automatically.
What Benefits Does WIC Provide?
The WIC program provides vouchers for foods like cereal, milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt, juice, peanut butter, beans, and more. WIC also works in cooperation with farmers’ markets to facilitate participants getting fresh, healthy, locally grown produce. While breastfeeding is recognized as the best nutrition for infants, and is strongly encouraged, formula vouchers are available to participants who can’t or choose not to breastfeed their babies, or who breastfeed part-time due to work or other reasons.
As a WIC participant you may also receive services such as health screenings, breastfeeding consultation, nutritional counseling, immunization screening and referral, substance abuse referral, and more depending upon the individual state agency’s specific scope of services.
How Do I Apply?
WIC applications are processed through authorized state agencies. Find your local agency here. They will be able to advise you on how and where to schedule an application appointment, and what you will need to bring with you when you go to your appointment.
WIC is active in all 50 states, along with American Samoa, District of Columbia, 34 Indian tribal organizations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The program may be administered by hospitals, schools, county health departments and other resources.
If you’re concerned about getting proper nutrition during your pregnancy, or providing your young children with adequate healthy food, contact a WIC agency today to find out if you qualify.