Your WIC card is a convenient way to get the food you need for your WIC-eligible children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. To use it, simply take your card to an authorized store and present it to the cashier. You’ll need to provide your name, birthdate, and 4-digit PIN number. Once your card is authorized, you can purchase the foods that are authorized on your card. WIC-authorized foods include milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can use your card to purchase as much of these foods as you need, up to the amount authorized on your card.
Eligibility for WIC
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a government-funded program that provides food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to eligible individuals. To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or non-breastfeeding postpartum woman
- Have a child under the age of 5
- Meet income guidelines (see table below)
Applying for WIC
To apply for WIC, you can visit your local WIC office or apply online. You will need to provide proof of your identity, income, and residency. You will also need to bring your child’s birth certificate or other proof of age.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,960 |
| 2 | $33,284 |
| 3 | $41,608 |
| 4 | $49,932 |
| Each additional household member | Add $8,324 |
Shopping Guidelines
To use your WIC card, follow these guidelines:
- Only purchase WIC-approved foods from authorized stores.
- Check the WIC website or app to find authorized stores.
- Bring your WIC card and ID to the store.
- Select WIC-approved foods from the designated aisles or sections.
- Present your WIC card at checkout to pay for the approved foods.
Restrictions
There are some restrictions on using your WIC card:
- You can only purchase food items that are on the WIC-approved list.
- You cannot use your WIC card to purchase non-food items, such as diapers or formula.
- You cannot use your WIC card to purchase food items that are past their expiration date.
- You cannot use your WIC card to purchase food items that have been damaged or are of poor quality.
| Eligible Foods | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Milk | – Whole, 2%, and 1% milk – Fortified soy milk and almond milk |
| Cheese | – Natural, processed, or American cheese |
| Yogurt | – Plain and flavored yogurt |
| Fruits and Vegetables | – Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables |
| Whole Grains | – Whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain cereal |
| Meat and Beans | – Lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, and tofu |
How To Use Your WIC Card
The Special Supplemental WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-Income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breast feeding postpartum women, and to children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk.
A WIC card is a special card that allows you to buy certain healthy foods at no cost. To get a WIC card, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under the age of five. You can apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic.
WIC Card Locations
- Local health departments
- WIC clinics
- Some community centers
- Some churches
Using Your WIC Card
- Locate a WIC-authorized store or farmers market.
- Choose WIC-approved foods from the store’s WIC section.
- Present your WIC card to the cashier along with your WIC voucher.
- The cashier will swipe your card and check your voucher to ensure you are purchasing only WIC-approved foods.
- Once approved, the cashier will ring up your groceries and you will be able to leave with your food.
It is important to keep track of your WIC benefits and to use them before they expire. You can check your balance online or by calling your local WIC clinic.
WIC-Approved Food List
| Food Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables; 100% fruit juice |
| Milk | milk, yogurt, cheese |
| Whole grains | bread, cereal, pasta, brown rice |
| Protein | lean meat, fish, poultry, beans, eggs |
| Infant formula | infant formula for babies under 1 year old |
How To Use Your WIC Card
The WIC card is a debit card that allows you to buy certain healthy foods at authorized grocery stores.
Using the eWIC Card
The eWIC card is a type of WIC card that is used in some states. It works like a regular debit card, but it can only be used to buy WIC-approved foods.
- To use the eWIC card, you will need to insert it into the payment terminal at the grocery store.
- Enter your PIN number.
- Select the type of food you want to buy.
- Swipe the card to complete the transaction.
Using the Physical WIC Card
- To use the physical WIC card, you will need to present it to the cashier at the grocery store.
- The cashier will swipe the card and enter the amount of your purchase.
- You will need to sign the receipt.
Foods You Can Buy with Your WIC Card
| Food Type | Foods You Can Buy |
|---|---|
| Milk | Whole, 2%, 1%, skim, and nonfat milk; lactose-free milk; and soy milk |
| Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, American, and other natural cheeses |
| Yogurt | Plain yogurt, flavored yogurt, and Greek yogurt |
| Canned Fish | Salmon, tuna, sardines, and other canned fish |
| Eggs | Fresh eggs, frozen eggs, and powdered eggs |
| Peanut Butter | Peanut butter and other nut butters |
| Cereal | Whole-grain cereal, oatmeal, and other cereals |
| Fruit and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables |
Well, there you have it, folks! I hope this little guide has helped you navigate the ins and outs of using your WIC card like a pro. Remember, it’s a valuable resource that can help you and your family stay healthy and well-fed. If you have any more questions or just want to drop in to say hi, feel free to visit us again. We’re always here to lend a helping hand or provide a friendly chat. Thanks for reading, and we’ll catch you next time!