Head Start
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WHAT IS WIC?WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children and is a special supplemental food program for those who qualify. WIC gives special types of food to pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to five years of age. WIC also teaches nutrition education classes to participants.
HOW DO I RECEIVE WIC?
In order to receive WIC foods, you must:
- Live in the clinic area.
- Meet the income standards.
- Need WIC foods to be healthy.
WHO RECEIVES WIC?
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently had a baby.
- Infants who are less than one year of age.
- Children who are between one and five years of age.
AT THE CLINIC:
Income Screening: When you go to a WIC clinic, you will need to bring proof of your income. This may be a check stub or a letter telling the clinic that you are getting Medicaid, AFDC, or Food Stamps. The clinic will help you if you are not able to supply proof of income.
Health Screening: You will be asked to fill out forms about what you and your children usually eat and about your family's health. A member of the WIC staff will weigh and measure you and your children. There will also be a simple blood test to measure the iron level in your blood. This information is used to enroll you in the WIC program.
Counseling: Once you are on the program, you will see a Registered Dietician (nutritionist). They can help plan a diet for you and your family that will meet your nutritional needs and budget. You will also attend classes with topics such as breastfeeding, infant feeding, picky eaters, and shopping on a budget.
Referrals: The WIC clinic will be able to tell you where you can get health care for your family at low cost. This includes immunization, family planning, breastfeeding counseling, and prenatal care. The clinic can also tell you where to receive help from other agencies such as AFDC, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.
WHAT ARE THE WIC FOODS?
WIC is a supplemental food program. This means that WIC will give you a part of the foods you and your children need in your diet. You will then be able to buy more meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables with your own money.
You and your children may receive milk, 100% juice, iron-fortified cereals, eggs, cheese, beans, and peanut butter. If you are breastfeeding, you may receive carrots and tuna fish. Your infant may receive iron-fortified formula, infant cereal, and infant juice. The foods you receive from WIC are high in protein, vitamins A, C, & D, iron, and calcium.
The clinic staff will talk to you about the foods you and your children will receive and how to use these foods.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE WIC?
You will know whether or not you can get WIC 10 days after your first visit to the clinic if you are pregnant, have a baby that is less than 6 months of age, or are a migrant. Everyone else will be told within 20 days. You will get your first checks on the same day that you are told you are eligible for WIC.
CAN I BE TAKEN OFF WIC?
You should remain on the program for at least 6 months. If you are pregnant, you will stay on the program until you have your baby. You may be taken off WIC if your income increases, if you move from the area that the clinic serves, or if you miss your appointment and do not call the clinic. You may also be taken off for program abuse or if the clinic runs out of money.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible for the WIC program, applicants must live in the county in which they apply for WIC services. Their income must be at or below 185% of poverty. In addition, they must be pregnant, breastfeeding, less than 6 months postpartum, or have children under the age of 5. All participants must also show a nutritional need through a medical and/or nutritional screening. Nutritional risk may include anemia, low weight gain, or inadequate diet.
$1,436
Additional Family members +$491/person WHERE DO I APPLY?
Most WIC clinics are part of the health department. WIC also has special clinics for migrants and Native Americans. To apply for WIC or for more information, call your local health department or 1-800-662-3638 (TDD Accessible).