During pregnancy, WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides expectant mothers with essential support to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. The program offers a range of nutritional foods, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole grains, which are tailored to meet the increased nutrient needs of pregnant women. WIC also provides education and counseling on healthy eating, breastfeeding, and prenatal care to help mothers make informed choices that promote a healthy pregnancy and nurture their child’s growth and development.
## What WIC Gives You for a Healthy Pregnancy
WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides nutrition and health services to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
### Support for a Healthy Pregnancy
WIC provides a variety of services and food items to support a healthy pregnancy, including:
* **Nutrition counseling:** WIC provides one-on-one nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to help you make healthy food choices.
* **Food vouchers:** WIC provides vouchers that you can use to purchase specific food items at authorized grocery stores. These food items include:
* **Fruits and vegetables:** WIC provides vouchers for fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables.
* **Whole grains:** WIC provides vouchers for whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa.
* **Dairy products:** WIC provides vouchers for milk, yogurt, and cheese.
* **Eggs:** WIC provides vouchers for eggs.
* **Legumes:** WIC provides vouchers for beans, lentils, and peas.
* **Peanut butter:** WIC provides vouchers for peanut butter.
* **Supplemental foods:** WIC also provides supplemental foods, such as infant formula, baby food, and breastfeeding support supplies.
### Breastfeeding Support
WIC provides the following services to support breastfeeding:
* **Breastfeeding education:** WIC provides classes and one-on-one counseling to help you learn how to breastfeed successfully.
* **Breast pumps:** WIC can provide you with a free breast pump to help you pump breast milk.
* **Breastfeeding supplies:** WIC can provide you with breastfeeding supplies, such as breast pads, nipple cream, and storage bags.
### Income Guidelines
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following income guidelines:
| **Household Size** | **Income Limit** |
|—|—|
| 1 | 185% of the federal poverty level |
| 2 | 235% of the federal poverty level |
| 3 | 285% of the federal poverty level |
| 4 | 335% of the federal poverty level |
| Each additional person | Add 50% |
For example, a family of four with a household income of $50,239 or less would be eligible for WIC (as of 2022).
### How to Apply
To apply for WIC, you can visit your local WIC clinic or call (800) 746-4821. You will need to provide your income information and proof of your pregnancy or your child’s age.
Food Benefits for Expecting Mothers
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides food benefits to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of five. WIC benefits can help to ensure that pregnant women have access to the healthy foods they need to support a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Eligible Foods
Pregnant women who participate in WIC can receive the following foods:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Cereal
- Whole-wheat bread
- Peanut butter
- Eggs
- Canned fish
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
Table of Food Benefits
The following table provides a summary of the food benefits that pregnant women can receive through WIC:
| Food Group | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Milk | 3 cups per day |
| Cheese | 1 1/2 cups per week |
| Yogurt | 3 cups per week |
| Cereal | 16 servings per month |
| Whole-wheat bread | 1 loaf per month |
| Peanut butter | 2 jars per month |
| Eggs | 18 eggs per month |
| Canned fish | 1 can per week |
| Fresh fruits | 4 servings per day |
| Vegetables | 5 servings per day |
In addition to food benefits, WIC also provides pregnant women with nutrition counseling and other support services. These services can help women to learn about healthy eating habits, make healthy choices, and overcome barriers to accessing healthy food.
What Does WIC Give You While Pregnant
WIC, which stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant women, as well as to new mothers and their children under the age of five.
Resources for Prenatal Health
- Supplemental Foods: WIC provides a variety of supplemental foods to pregnant women, including:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Beans
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
- Whole-grain cereal
- Fruit and vegetables
- Nutrition Education: WIC also provides nutrition education to pregnant women, covering topics such as:
- Healthy eating during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Infant feeding
- Child development
- Referrals to Other Services: WIC can also refer pregnant women to other services, such as:
- Prenatal care
- Immunizations
- Parenting classes
- Housing assistance
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Supplemental Foods | Provides a variety of nutrient-rich foods to support pregnant women and their growing babies. |
| Nutrition Education | Empowers pregnant women with knowledge and skills to make informed nutrition choices for themselves and their families. |
| Referrals to Other Services | Connects pregnant women to comprehensive care and support to ensure a healthy pregnancy and beyond. |
WIC Program Qualifications
To qualify for WIC during pregnancy, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Be pregnant and have a low income.
- Be at nutritional risk, as determined by a health care provider.
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien.
- Live in a state that has a WIC program.
Your income must be below 185% of the federal poverty level. This means that if you are a single pregnant woman, your annual income must be less than $25,705. If you are married with one child, your annual income must be less than $34,848.
To determine if you are at nutritional risk, your health care provider will assess your diet, medical history, and physical exam. If you are found to be at risk, you will be eligible for WIC.
| Income Guidelines | |
|---|---|
| Family Size | 185% of Poverty Level |
| 1 | $25,705 |
| 2 | $34,848 |
| 3 | $44,051 |
| 4 | $53,184 |
Hey there, future-mama-to-be!
Thanks for checking out our WIC lowdown. We know it can get a bit nutty trying to wrap your head around all the ins and out when you’re pregnant. That’s why we’ve got your back.
Now, go enjoy that pregnancy glow! We’ll be here if you need us again.
Cheers,
The WIC Team