If you’re enrolled in WIC, a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, you can use your WIC benefits to purchase formula. WIC provides eligible families with vouchers or checks that can be used to buy formula and other nutritious food items at authorized WIC grocery stores. To qualify for WIC, applicants must meet income and residency requirements and be at nutritional risk. Benefits vary depending on the state and family size, but typically include infant formula, baby food, milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. WIC also provides nutrition education and counseling to help families make healthy choices. If you’re interested in applying for WIC, contact your local health department or visit the WIC website for more information.
WIC Food Package
The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program provides nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children under the age of 5. The WIC food package includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including:
- Infant formula: WIC provides infant formula to infants who are not breastfed or who are not receiving enough breast milk.
- Baby food: WIC provides baby food to children who are over 6 months old and are not eating solid foods.
- Milk: WIC provides milk to children who are over 1 year old.
- Cheese: WIC provides cheese to children who are over 2 years old.
- Eggs: WIC provides eggs to children who are over 1 year old.
- Fruits and vegetables: WIC provides fruits and vegetables to all WIC participants.
- Whole grains: WIC provides whole grains to all WIC participants.
The WIC food package is designed to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children under the age of 5. The foods provided in the WIC food package are rich in nutrients that are essential for growth and development.
If you are interested in applying for WIC, you can contact your local WIC agency. To find your local WIC agency, visit the WIC website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
How to Get Formula with WIC
To get formula with WIC, you must first be enrolled in the WIC program. To enroll in WIC, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman.
- Be under the age of 19 and have a child under the age of 5.
- Be a foster parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 5.
- Have a household income that is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for WIC at your local WIC agency. To apply for WIC, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name and contact information.
- Your child’s name, date of birth, and gender.
- Your household income.
- Proof of residency.
Once you have applied for WIC, you will be scheduled for an appointment with a WIC nutritionist. The WIC nutritionist will assess your nutritional needs and create a food plan for you. Your food plan will include a prescription for infant formula, if you are not breastfeeding or if your child is not receiving enough breast milk.
You can use your WIC prescription to purchase infant formula at any WIC-authorized grocery store. To find a WIC-authorized grocery store, visit the WIC website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
How Much Formula Do I Get with WIC?
The amount of formula you get with WIC depends on your child’s age and weight. The following table shows the amount of formula that WIC provides for different ages and weights:
| Age | Weight | Amount of Formula |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Up to 13 pounds | 24 cans per month |
| 0-6 months | 13-18 pounds | 30 cans per month |
| 0-6 months | 18 pounds or more | 36 cans per month |
| 6-12 months | 13-18 pounds | 20 cans per month |
| 6-12 months | 18 pounds or more | 24 cans per month |
| 12-24 months | All weights | 16 cans per month |
WIC Infant Formula Requirements
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and food assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children under the age of five. WIC provides infant formula to eligible participants who are unable to breastfeed or who have a medical condition that requires them to use formula.
WIC Infant Formula Requirements
- Must be a participating WIC vendor
- Must be an infant formula that meets the WIC nutritional standards
- Must be purchased using WIC vouchers
WIC participants can choose from a variety of infant formulas that meet the WIC nutritional standards. These formulas include:
- Cow’s milk-based formulas
- Soy-based formulas
- Hypoallergenic formulas
- Lactose-free formulas
WIC participants can also receive breastfeeding support from WIC staff. WIC staff can provide information on how to breastfeed, how to increase milk production, and how to overcome breastfeeding challenges.
| Formula Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cow’s milk-based formulas | Must contain at least 18 mg of iron per liter |
| Soy-based formulas | Must contain at least 10 mg of iron per liter |
| Hypoallergenic formulas | Must be free of common allergens, such as cow’s milk, soy, and wheat |
| Lactose-free formulas | Must be free of lactose |
WIC Income and Eligibility Guidelines
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5.
Eligibility for WIC is based on income and other factors. Here are the WIC income guidelines for 2023:
- For pregnant women, the income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- For breastfeeding women, the income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- For postpartum women, the income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- For infants and children up to age 1, the income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- For children ages 1 to 5, the income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
In addition to income, eligibility for WIC is also based on nutritional risk. This means that even if a family’s income is above the federal poverty level, they may still be eligible for WIC if they are at nutritional risk.
To apply for WIC, you can contact your local WIC agency. You can find a list of WIC agencies in your state by visiting the WIC website.
| Household Size | 130% of FPL | 185% of FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,930 | $25,840 |
| 2 | $24,140 | $34,810 |
| 3 | $30,350 | $43,780 |
| 4 | $36,560 | $52,750 |
| 5 | $42,770 | $61,720 |
| 6 | $48,980 | $70,690 |
| 7 | $55,190 | $79,660 |
| 8 | $61,400 | $88,630 |
WIC Shopping at Approved Stores
The WIC program provides access to nutritious foods for low-income women, infants, and children. WIC participants can use their benefits to purchase a variety of foods, including formula.
To use WIC benefits to purchase formula, participants must shop at approved WIC stores. These stores are typically grocery stores or pharmacies that have been authorized to accept WIC benefits. To find an approved WIC store, participants can contact their local WIC office or visit the WIC website.
When shopping at an approved WIC store, participants will need to present their WIC card at the checkout counter. The cashier will then scan the card and deduct the cost of the formula from the participant’s benefits.
Approved WIC Stores
- Grocery stores, such as Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway
- Pharmacies, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid
- Farmers markets
Table of WIC-Approved Formula Brands
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Enfamil | Cow’s milk-based |
| Similac | Cow’s milk-based |
| Gerber | Soy-based |
| Earth’s Best | Organic cow’s milk-based |
Thanks for checking out our article on formula availability with WIC! We hope it answered all your burning questions. Remember, every family’s situation is unique, so it’s always a good idea to reach out to your local WIC office or healthcare provider for personalized guidance. In the meantime, keep an eye on our site for more helpful information on nutrition, healthcare, and more. Take care, and we’ll see you soon!