Feeding a growing family can be tough, especially with rising food prices and other everyday expenses. If you’re pregnant, have a baby, or care for young children, the WIC program may be able to help.
WIC, which stands for Women, Infants, and Children, is a government program that provides healthy food, nutrition support, and other helpful services to families who qualify. But if you’ve never used WIC before, you might have questions: Who’s it for? What exactly does it cover? And how hard is it to apply?
This guide breaks it all down so you can understand how WIC works—and whether it might be the right support for your family.
What Is WIC?
The WIC program is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and operates in every state, plus U.S. territories and tribal lands. It’s designed to support low- and moderate-income families during key stages of development—pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. WIC provides more than just food. It’s a comprehensive program that offers:
- Monthly food benefits tailored to nutrition needs
- Breastfeeding support and formula assistance
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Health screenings and referrals to healthcare
- Immunization support and developmental milestone tracking
In short, WIC is there to make sure pregnant women and young children get the nutrition and care they need to thrive.
Who Qualifies for WIC?
WIC is not limited to unemployed or single parents. Many people who work or attend school can still qualify. To be eligible, you must usually meet three main criteria:
- Category: You or someone in your household must fall into one of these categories:
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth)
- Breastfeeding women (up to 1 year after delivery)
- Infants (up to age 1)
- Children (ages 1–5)
*Foster parents, grandparents, or legal guardians caring for young children may also qualify
- Income: Your income must fall at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. This changes slightly each year and depends on family size. As of 2025, a family of four may be able to qualify with an annual income of around $59,478 or less. But:
- You may also qualify if you’re already enrolled in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, because those programs automatically meet WIC income guidelines (this is called “adjunctive eligibility”).
- Nutritional Risk: You must be determined to be at nutritional risk, which is assessed during a health screening at your local WIC office. This isn’t as complicated as it sounds—risk factors can include:
- Poor eating habits
- Being underweight or overweight
- Low iron or anemia
- Pregnancy complications
- Delayed growth in children
What Does WIC Provide?
WIC’s food packages are designed to meet the specific nutrition needs of different groups (like pregnant women, nursing moms, infants, and toddlers). You’ll receive a monthly food benefit loaded onto a WIC card, which you can use at approved stores.
Typical WIC-approved foods include:
- Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains (bread, pasta, brown rice)
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Eggs
- Peanut butter or beans
- Cereal (low sugar)
- 100% fruit or vegetable juice
- Infant formula or baby food (if needed)
WIC doesn’t cover everything you might buy at the grocery store, but it helps stretch your budget by covering the basics of a balanced, nutritious diet for your family. Some states even have cash value benefits (CVB) that give you extra dollars just for fresh produce.
What About Baby Formula or Breastfeeding Support?
WIC offers both options, depending on your needs.
- If you formula-feed, WIC provides a monthly supply of approved infant formula brands (which may vary by state).
- If you breastfeed, WIC offers enhanced food packages for moms, breastfeeding peer counselors, and sometimes free breast pumps.
You don’t have to choose one or the other right away—WIC staff can help you decide what’s best for you and your baby, and adjust your benefits as your needs change.
How Do You Apply for WIC?
Applying for WIC is free and handled by your local WIC office. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- Find Your Nearest WIC Office: You can search online through your state’s health department or go https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/applicant-participant/apply.
- Make an Appointment: Call your local office to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Some locations now offer online or mobile app options to help you get started faster.
- Gather Documents: You’ll likely be asked to bring or upload:
- ID for yourself and your children
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, etc.)
- Proof of address
- Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
- Attend a Brief Health Screening: WIC staff will take simple measurements (like height, weight, or iron levels), ask about your eating habits, and assess your eligibility. They’ll also talk through your goals, such as meal planning, breastfeeding support, or introducing solid foods.
Can You Use WIC and Other Programs Together?
Yes. WIC is designed to work alongside programs like:
- SNAP (food assistance for the whole household)
- Medicaid (health coverage for parents and children)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
In fact, being enrolled in one of these often makes it easier to qualify for WIC, since it confirms your income eligibility. You can also use WIC and SNAP together—for example, WIC can cover baby food and milk, while SNAP can help you buy meats, snacks, or other grocery items.
How Long Can You Stay on WIC?
WIC isn’t permanent, but you can stay enrolled as long as you meet the requirements.
- Pregnant individuals remain on WIC through their pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth (or up to a year if breastfeeding).
- Infants and children can stay on WIC until they turn five years old, with regular check-ins every 6–12 months to update eligibility.
It’s also common for families to reapply or update their benefits based on changing income, household size, or nutrition needs.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or raising a child under five, WIC can help you nourish your family without added stress. It’s a practical, judgment-free program that provides real support when you need it most.
From formula and fresh fruits to breastfeeding help and nutrition advice, WIC offers more than many people realize—and applying is easier than you might think. Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth looking into. A short phone call or visit to your local WIC office could make a lasting difference for you and your child.
