To get formula from WIC, you first need to qualify for the program. This typically means you must be a low-income or moderate-income pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, or you must have an infant or child under the age of 5. You can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic. Once you are approved, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase formula at authorized grocery stores. The amount of formula you can receive each month will vary depending on your child’s age and other factors. You can also get breastfeeding support and other nutrition services from WIC.
WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program
The WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program, formerly known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides nutritional support and education to low-income families with young children.
Eligibility for WIC is based on income and nutritional needs. To participate, you’ll need to meet with a WIC staff member at a local WIC clinic or a similar authorized site like health centers or local health departments. They will assess your eligibility, provide nutrition information, and issue vouchers for healthy foods like:
- Formula
- Breast milk pumps and supplies
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
The WIC program is available in all 50 states, as well as Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. To find out if you’re eligible and to locate your nearest WIC clinic, visit the WIC website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
The current formula maximum benefit per WIC participant is:
| WIC Participant | Formula Benefit |
|---|---|
| Breastfeeding mother | Up to 43 oz. |
| Partially breastfeeding mother | Up to 60 oz. |
| Formula-feeding mother | Up to 75 oz. |
Please note that these are maximums, and the actual amount of formula you receive may depend on your individual needs and the WIC clinic’s policies.
Infant Feeding & Supplemental Food Assistance
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides food assistance to pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides vouchers that can be used to purchase specific foods, including formula.
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet certain income guidelines and have a nutritional need. You can apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic.
How to Get Formula From WIC
- Apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic.
- If you are eligible for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that can be used to purchase formula.
- Take your WIC card to a participating grocery store and purchase the formula that your doctor has recommended.
WIC covers a variety of formulas, including:
- Cow’s milk-based formula
- Soy-based formula
- Hypo-allergic formula
- Lactose-free formula
The type of formula that you receive will depend on your child’s individual needs.
If you have any questions about getting formula from WIC, please contact your local WIC clinic.
| WIC Income Guidelines | Family Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 1 | $1,694 |
| 2 | $2,279 | |
| 3 | $2,864 | |
| 4 | $3,450 | |
| 130% | 1 | $2,002 |
| 2 | $2,652 | |
| 3 | $3,303 | |
| 4 | $3,955 |
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides free supplemental foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.
To qualify for WIC, you must meet income guidelines and live in a WIC-approved area. You can apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic.
If you are approved for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized grocery stores. WIC-approved infant formula includes:
- Similac
- Enfamil
- Gerber Good Start
- Parent’s Choice
- Member’s Mark
The amount of formula you receive each month will depend on your child’s age and nutritional needs.
How Much Formula Do I Get Each Month?
Child’s Age Amount of Formula 0-6 months 24 cans (8-ounce cans) 6-12 months 16 cans (12-ounce cans) 12-24 months 12 cans (13-ounce cans) Formula Assistance Programs
If you are a low-income family or individual, you may be eligible for formula assistance through a government program such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). WIC provides vouchers or checks that can be used to purchase infant formula from participating retailers.
Eligibility Requirements
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Non-breastfeeding women up to 1 year postpartum
- Infants up to 1 year of age
- Children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk
Income guidelines and eligibility criteria vary by state. To find out if you are eligible, contact your local WIC agency.
How to Apply
- Contact your local WIC agency to schedule an appointment.
- Bring proof of income, proof of identity, and proof of residency to your appointment.
- A WIC representative will review your eligibility and provide you with vouchers or checks for formula.
Participating Retailers
- Grocery stores
- Pharmacies
- Mass retailers
You can use WIC vouchers or checks to purchase any brand or type of infant formula, including:
Type Description Milk-based formula Made with milk protein and fat Soy-based formula Made with soy protein and fat Hypoallergenic formula Designed for babies with food allergies or sensitivities Enfamil Popular brand of infant formula Similac Another popular brand of infant formula If you have any questions about WIC formula assistance, please contact your local WIC agency.
That’s all there is to it! If you’re a new mom with a WIC-approved infant formula, you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting the best possible nutrition for your baby. We appreciate you taking the time to read our article, and we hope that we’ve been able to clear up any confusion and help you feel more confident as you make these important decisions for your little one. Come back soon for more valuable tips and information – we’re here to support you every step of the way on your parenting journey!