Have A Question About WIC? Find The Answer Here

One of the most popular food assistance programs for women and their young children is WIC. And while you’ve probably heard of it before, you may be wondering how it works and if you could qualify. Well, there’s no need to wonder anymore, because here are some frequently asked questions and answers on this program.

1. What is WIC?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a program that started in 1974. It was set up to help women, infants, and children from low-income households considered at nutritional risk. WIC achieves this goal not only by offering nutritious foods, but also through education and referrals to similar programs.

2. Where does WIC operate?

Since the federal government funds WIC, it comes as no surprise that it is offered in all 50 states. You can also receive WIC benefits in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and via 34 Indian Tribal Organizations.

3. Who is in charge of WIC?

As mentioned, WIC is funded by the federal government. State agencies are responsible for administering the program, however. You can receive WIC services at various locations, such as schools, hospitals, county health departments, and Indian Health Service facilities.

You can find your local agency by going here.

4. Who is eligible for WIC?

WIC benefits are offered to women who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding. Infants and children up to five years old can also qualify. Beyond fitting into one of those categories, you’ll need to meet specific income and state residency requirements. Lastly, a health professional or official will have to determine that you are at nutritional risk to be eligible.

While your best bet is to contact your local agency to find out if you’re eligible, you can use this WIC PreScreening Tool to find out more. It’s worth noting that if you already receive other assistance programs, that could make you eligible for WIC in terms of income.

5. What type of benefits does WIC offer?

WIC’s most significant benefit is food. As stated, recipients get nutritious foods to supplement their diets and take them out of that nutrition risk zone.

WIC has a specific list of foods that qualify for the program, which include:

• Baby foods
• Canned fish
• Cheese
• Dried/canned peas and beans
• Eggs
• Fruit or vegetable juice
• Fruits
• Infant cereal
• Iron-fortified adult cereal
• Milk
• Peanut butter
• Soy-based drinks
• Tofu
• Vegetables
• Whole wheat bread
• Yogurt

In some cases, beneficiaries may receive iron-fortified infant formula or medical foods.

Your benefits can come in the form of food deliveries to your home or through distribution sites. In the past, vouchers and paper checks allowed recipients to pay for food after shopping, but that has just switched to EBT cards that you can use similar to a credit card.

Beyond food, WIC also provides counseling on breastfeeding and nutrition, health screening, immunization screening, substance abuse help, and more.

6. What qualifies as “nutrition risk”?

This term breaks down into two main categories: Medically-based risks and dietary risks. The first group includes issues such as being underweight, anemia, poor pregnancy outcomes, and pregnancy complications. The second includes not meeting current nutritional guidelines or practicing insufficient nutrition practices.

7. How do you apply for WIC?

If you feel like you may qualify for WIC after reading this and using the pre-screening tool, contact your local agency to schedule an appointment.