WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a government program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as to infants and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk. In Texas, WIC provides vouchers for the purchase of nutritious food items, such as milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Participants also receive nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services. WIC aims to improve the health and well-being of eligible individuals by providing access to nutritious food and nutrition education.
Eligibility in Texas
To be eligible for Medicaid in Texas, you must meet certain income and residency requirements. Generally, you must be a Texas resident and have a low income. There are different income limits for different types of Medicaid programs. For example, the income limit for pregnant women is higher than the income limit for children.
- Pregnant women
- Children under 19
- Adults with disabilities
- Seniors 65 and older
You can apply for Medicaid online, by mail, or in person at your local county health department. You will need to provide proof of your income, residency, and identity.
| Program | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women | 138% of the federal poverty level |
| Children under 19 | 133% of the federal poverty level |
| Adults with disabilities | 100% of the federal poverty level |
| Seniors 65 and older | 100% of the federal poverty level |
Covered Foods in the Texas WIC Program
The Texas WIC program provides nutritious food to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children under 5 years of age. Here is a list of the foods covered by the Texas WIC program:
- Infant formula
- Breast milk pumps and supplies
- Iron-fortified infant cereal
- Baby food (fruits, vegetables, and meats)
- Whole milk (for children 1 year and older)
- Reduced-fat milk (for children 2 years and older)
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Beans
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole-wheat bread
- Brown rice
- Pasta
The Texas WIC program also provides nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
Food Group Allowed Foods Serving Size Milk Whole milk (for children 1 year and older)
Reduced-fat milk (for children 2 years and older)
Cheese
Yogurt2 cups Fruits Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits without added sugar 1 cup Vegetables Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables without added salt or fat 1 cup Grains Whole-wheat bread
Brown rice
Pasta1 slice of bread
1/2 cup of cooked rice or pastaProtein Eggs
Peanut butter
Beans
Meats2 eggs
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
1/2 cup of cooked beans
3 ounces of cooked meatFoods and Products WIC Covers in Texas
The Texas WIC Program provides healthy foods and other nutritional support to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and children under the age of 5. The program offers a variety of foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Milk and cheese
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Beans and lentils
- Infant formula and baby food
In addition to food, WIC also provides other nutritional support, such as:
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Immunizations
- Referrals to other health and social services
Nutrition Education Provided by Texas WIC
- Individual Counseling: Registered dietitians and other qualified nutritionists provide personalized nutrition education and counseling to WIC participants. They assess individual nutritional needs, provide nutrition information, and develop tailored nutrition plans.
- Group Education: WIC offers group classes and workshops covering a range of nutrition topics, such as healthy eating habits, meal planning, breastfeeding, and infant nutrition.
- Educational Materials: WIC distributes printed and online materials, including recipes, handouts, and brochures, to provide participants with ongoing nutrition information and support.
- Cooking Demonstrations: WIC may host cooking demonstrations to teach participants how to prepare healthy and affordable meals.
- Community Outreach: WIC collaborates with community organizations and agencies to reach eligible individuals and promote healthy eating habits.
Health and Wellness Services Offered by Texas WIC
The Texas Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides essential health and wellness services to eligible low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. These services include:
- Nutritional education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Supplemental foods
- Health screenings and referrals
- Immunizations
WIC provides eligible participants with vouchers to purchase healthy foods at authorized grocery stores. The food packages include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole-grain bread and cereal
- Low-fat milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
Foods Provided by Texas WIC Food Vouchers Fruits and vegetables $47 per month during pregnancy and $49 per month for breastfeeding Whole-grain bread and cereal $24 per month during pregnancy and $26 per month for breastfeeding Low-fat milk $21 per month during pregnancy and $23 per month for breastfeeding Yogurt $8 per month during pregnancy and $10 per month for breastfeeding Cheese $17 per month during pregnancy and $19 per month for breastfeeding Eggs $2 per dozen Peanut butter $10 per month In addition to food vouchers, WIC participants receive health screenings and referrals to other health care services. These screenings include:
- Weight
- Height
- Blood pressure
- Hemoglobin (iron) level
- Lead screening
WIC also provides immunizations for eligible participants. These immunizations include:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
- Influenza (flu)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
To qualify for WIC, participants must meet income and nutritional risk criteria. To apply, participants can visit their local WIC clinic or call the Texas WIC hotline at 1-800-942-3678.
Well there you have it, folks! Now you’re all WIC-savvy Texans. Remember, WIC is an awesome program that can help you and your family stay healthy and well-nourished. If you think you might qualify, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading, y’all! Be sure to swing by again soon for more juicy health and nutrition info.