To apply for WIC in Missouri, you can either apply online or in person at your local WIC clinic. To apply online, visit the Missouri WIC website and click on the “Apply for WIC” link. You will need to provide your personal information, household income, and proof of identity. To apply in person, visit your local WIC clinic and speak to a staff member. You will need to bring the same documentation as required for online applications. Once you have submitted your application, WIC staff will review it and determine if you are eligible for benefits. If you are approved, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized grocery stores.
WIC Program Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for WIC in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman.
- Have a child under the age of 5.
- Meet income guidelines.
- Live in Missouri.
Income guidelines are based on the federal poverty level. For example, in 2023, a pregnant woman with no other children in the household must have a monthly income of less than $2,345 to be eligible for WIC.
You can apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic. You will need to provide proof of income, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
Application Process
To apply for WIC in Missouri, you can either visit your local WIC office or apply online. To find your nearest WIC office, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website or call 1-800-447-2313. If you apply online, you will need to create an account and provide your personal information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. You will also need to provide information about your household income and the number of people in your household. Once you have completed the online application, you will need to schedule an appointment with a WIC staff member to complete the application process.
Documentation
When you apply for WIC, you will need to provide documentation to verify your identity, income, and household size. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. You will also need to provide proof of income, such as a pay stub, tax return, or Social Security statement. To verify your household size, you will need to provide a birth certificate or other proof of age for each member of your household.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Identification | Verify your identity |
| Proof of income | Verify your income |
| Proof of household size | Verify the number of people in your household |
Benefits and Services Provided
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5. In Missouri, WIC is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. WIC provides a variety of benefits and services, including:
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Healthy food vouchers
- Access to healthcare
WIC food vouchers can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Whole grains
- Lean protein
In addition to food vouchers, WIC also provides nutrition education to help participants make healthy eating choices. WIC nutritionists can provide information on:
- Healthy eating habits
- Meal planning
- Budgeting for healthy food
- Breastfeeding
- How to latch and feed a baby
- How to increase milk production
- How to deal with breastfeeding challenges
WIC also provides breastfeeding support to help mothers get started and continue breastfeeding. WIC breastfeeding counselors can provide information on:
| Infants | Children Under 2 | Children 2-4 | Pregnant Women | Breastfeeding Women | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk | 18 ounces evaporated milk | 1 gallon milk | 1 gallon milk | 2 gallons milk | 2 gallons milk |
| Cheese | 1 pound | 1 pound | 12 ounces | 1 pound | 14 ounces |
| Eggs | N/A | 2 dozen | 2 dozen | 2 dozen | 3 dozen |
| Cereal | N/A | 28-36 ounces | 32-40 ounces | 32-40 ounces | 40-46 ounces |
| Fruits and Vegetables | N/A | 2.5 pounds | 3 pounds | 4 pounds | 5 pounds |
| Whole Grains | N/A | 10 servings | 14 servings | 14 servings | 16 servings |
| Peanut Butter/Beans | N/A | 1 pound | 1 pound | 2 pounds | 2 pounds |
**How to Qualify for WIC**
To see if you qualify for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
**Income Eligibility**
– You must meet income at or below 185% of the federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Income Eligibility by Family Size Table
| Family Size | 185% of FPL |
| ———– | ———– |
| 1 | $49,730 |
| 2 | $67,318 |
| 3 | $77,690 |
| 4 | $87,962 |
| 5 | $98,234 |
| 6 | $108,507|
| 7 | $118,779 |
| 8 | $129,051 |
| 9 | $139,323 |
| 10 | $149,596 |
| 11 | $159,868 |
| 12 | $170,140 |
| For each additional family member | Add $10,272 |
**Other Eligibility**
– You must have a medical condition such as:
* Anemia (low red blood cell count)
* Underweight or Overweight for their height and age
* Pre-term or low birthweight baby
– You must be:
* Pregnant
* Postpartum (up to 6 weeks after birth)
* Breastfeeding (up to 1 year after birth)
* A child between the age of 1-4 or
* A child with special health needs
**Contact Information**
For more information on WIC and to find the WIC office/clinic location near you, please visit the website: https://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/ or call Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at 1-800-422-2792 or TTY 800-430-4011.
Thanks for reading our guide on applying for WIC in Missouri. We know it can be a bit overwhelming, but we hope this information has made the process a little easier. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your local WIC office. Remember, WIC is a valuable resource that can provide nutritional support for you and your family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access healthy food and other benefits. As we always say, take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon for more helpful content!