Using your WIC card in California is easy. First, find a WIC-authorized store or farmers market. You can find a list of these locations on the WIC website. Once you’re at the store, select the WIC-approved foods you want to purchase. WIC covers a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, and whole grains. When you’re ready to check out, present your WIC card to the cashier. The cashier will swipe your card and deduct the cost of the food from your balance. You can use your WIC card as many times as you need until your balance is used up.
WIC Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a California resident.
- Be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of 5.
- Meet income guidelines.
- Have a nutritional risk.
Income guidelines are based on your gross monthly income and the number of people in your household. You can find the current income guidelines on the WIC website.
To determine if you have a nutritional risk, you will need to be screened by a WIC staff member. The screening will include questions about your diet, health history, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
If you are found eligible for WIC, you will receive a WIC card. The card can be used to purchase food items from authorized WIC vendors.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,999 |
| 2 | $3,758 |
| 3 | $4,518 |
| 4 | $5,277 |
| 5 | $6,037 |
| 6 | $6,796 |
| 7 | $7,556 |
| 8 | $8,315 |
| Each additional person | $759 |
WIC Food Package Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and children under five years of age. California WIC offers a variety of food packages tailored to the specific nutritional needs of each participant.
Food Items Included in WIC Packages
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Juice
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat bread
Food Package Types
The specific food package each participant receives depends on their individual nutritional needs. The most common food packages include:
- Women: Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, cereal, oatmeal, juice, peanut butter, and canned fish
- Infants: Formula (if needed), breast milk, infant cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables, and juice
- Children: Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, cereal, oatmeal, juice, peanut butter, canned fish, frozen fruits and vegetables, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
| Participant | Food Package |
|---|---|
| Women | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, cereal, oatmeal, juice, peanut butter, and canned fish |
| Infants | Formula (if needed), breast milk, infant cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables, and juice |
| Children | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, cereal, oatmeal, juice, peanut butter, canned fish, frozen fruits and vegetables, brown rice, and whole wheat bread |
Using Your WIC Card
To use your WIC card, simply present it at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets when making your eligible purchases. The card will be swiped and the amount of your purchase will be deducted from your balance. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of the card or visiting the California WIC website.
Authorized WIC Stores in California
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides food and nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. In California, WIC is administered by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
To participate in WIC, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and be issued a WIC card. You can use your WIC card to purchase authorized WIC foods at any WIC-authorized store in California. To find a WIC-authorized store near you, visit the CDPH website.
- You can use your WIC card to purchase the following authorized WIC foods:
- Infant formula
- Breast milk
- Baby food
- Cereal
- Juice
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
You cannot use your WIC card to purchase the following foods:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Candy
- Soda
- Coffee
- Tea
To use your WIC card to purchase authorized WIC foods, simply present your card to the cashier at the checkout counter. The cashier will swipe your card and deduct the cost of the food from your WIC balance.
| Store Name | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Albertsons | 123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 91234 | (555) 123-4567 |
| Ralphs | 456 Oak Street, Anytown, CA 91234 | (555) 234-5678 |
| Stater Bros. | 789 Pine Street, Anytown, CA 91234 | (555) 345-6789 |
Applying for a WIC Card in California
The California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and other social services to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non- breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC helps participants make healthy choices about their food by providing nutrition counseling and education.
To apply for a WIC card in California, follow these steps:
- Find a WIC clinic near you. You can use the WIC clinic locator at https://wic.ca.gov/find-a-wic-clinic/
- Call the WIC clinic to make an appointment.
- Bring the following documents to your WIC appointment:
- Proof of income (such as a pay stub, tax return, or bank statement)
- Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport)
- Proof of address (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
- Proof of pregnancy (if you are pregnant)
- Proof of breastfeeding (if you are breastfeeding)
- Proof of your child’s birth (such as a birth certificate or hospital records)
- At your WIC appointment, you will meet with a WIC staff member who will ask you about your income, your family size, and your dietary needs. The WIC staff member will also weigh and measure you and your child (if applicable).
- If you are eligible for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase food at authorized WIC stores.
**Eligibility for WIC**
**Pregnant women** are eligible for WIC if they meet the following income requirements:
|**Income**|**100% of the Federal Poverty Level**|
|—|—|
|**1 person**|$1,565 per month|
|**2 people**|$2,109 per month|
|**3 people**|$2,653 per month|
|**4 people**|$3,197 per month|
**Breastfeeding women** are eligible for WIC for up to one year after their baby is born.
**Non- breastfeeding women** are eligible for WIC for up to six months after their baby is born.
**Infants** are eligible for WIC if they are under one year old and their family meets the income requirements.
**Children** are eligible for WIC if they are between one and five years old and their family meets the income requirements.
**In addition to the income requirements, applicants must also meet the following criteria:**
* Be a California resident.
* Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
* Have a nutritional risk, which can be determined by a WIC staff member.
And there you have it, folks! Navigating the WIC program in California doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to reap the benefits of this awesome program, feeding your family nutritious meals and getting the support you need. Thanks for sticking with me until the end. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to give me a shout. And be sure to drop by again for more helpful tips and tricks. Take care, and see you soon!