WIC is the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
How does WIC help?
WIC provides:
- Basic nutritious foods to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children. These foods are rich in protein, iron, calcium, fiber and vitamins.
- Food for infants. The Program strongly encourages and provides support for breastfeeding. However, formula-fed infants receive the WIC contract standard milk – and soy-based iron-fortified infant formula for the first year of life. Beginning at 6 months of age, infants may also receive iron-foritifed infatn cereal and infant fruits and vegetables.
- Food for women and children (1-5 years old). WIC will provide a cash-value vouchers or food instruments for a variety of health foods – including brown rice, whole-grain cereal and bread, cheese or tofu, eggs, etc.
- Nutrition education. WIC participants will learn about the relationship between nutrition, physical activity and good health.
- Referrals for health care. WIC provides and receives referrals from private and public health care providers, including immunizations and substance abuse counseling and treatment.
- Breastfeeding support. WIC agencies have trained personnel ready to assist mothers in making informed decisions, assist mothers in the basics of breastfeeding, and provide aids (breast pumps e.g.).
Who is eligible for WIC?
WIC is available to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five. To participate, these persons must:
- Live in North Carolina.
- Have a family income less than 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. A person receiving Medicaid, Work First Families Assistance (TANF), or assistance from the NC Food and Nutrition Services automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
- Be at nutritional risk. A nutritionist or other health professional makes the nutritional risk assessment at no cost to the participant, usually at the local WIC office.
CLICK HERE to use the WIC pre-screening tool.
How can I apply?
Contact the office of the local WIC agency in your county or fill out the WIC Referral Form.
When you go to apply for WIC, please remember to bring:
- Proof of identification (for all individuals applying for WIC)
- Proof of income (for all household members with income)
- Proof of residence
Need more information?
CLICK HERE to learn more about the WIC program or call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist, available 24/7/365.
SOURCE: NCDHHS
Last updated 6/24/2022
