The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a supplemental nutrition program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care providers, and vouchers for healthy foods to eligible women, infants, and children up to age 5.
To be eligible for WIC, participants must meet income guidelines and be at nutritional risk. Income eligibility is based on 185% of the federal poverty level. Nutritional risk is determined by a health care provider or WIC staff based on factors such as height, weight, and medical history.
WIC benefits include:
* Nutrition education and counseling
* Breastfeeding support
* Referrals to health care providers
* Vouchers for healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and cheese
WIC is a valuable resource for eligible women, infants, and children in Texas. The program helps to ensure that participants have access to nutritious foods and the support they need to lead healthy lives.
Approved Food Items for Texas WIC Recipients
The WIC program in Texas provides vouchers to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to the age of five. These vouchers can be used to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, including:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Cereal
- Infant formula
- Baby food
The specific types and amounts of food that WIC participants can purchase vary depending on their individual needs. For example, pregnant women may receive more milk and cheese than breastfeeding women, and infants may receive more formula than older children. To find out which foods are covered by WIC in Texas, participants can consult with a WIC nutritionist.
WIC vouchers can be used at a variety of grocery stores and farmers markets in Texas. To find a WIC-authorized store near you, use the WIC store locator at https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-store-locator.
| Store | Location |
|---|---|
| H-E-B | Throughout Texas |
| Kroger | Throughout Texas |
| Walmart | Throughout Texas |
| Target | Throughout Texas |
| Albertsons | Throughout Texas |
Eligibility Requirements for WIC in Texas
To qualify for the WIC program in Texas, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of 5.
- Meet the income guidelines.
- Live in Texas.
- Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.
The income guidelines for WIC in Texas are based on the federal poverty guidelines. To be eligible, your household income must be at or below the following levels:
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,600 |
| 2 | $33,040 |
| 3 | $41,480 |
| 4 | $49,920 |
| 5 | $58,360 |
| 6 | $66,800 |
| For each additional household member | Add $8,440 |
Benefits and Resources for WIC Families
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. In Texas, WIC benefits can be used at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets to purchase specific WIC-approved foods. Here are some of the benefits and resources available to WIC families in Texas:
- Nutritious foods: WIC provides a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and protein-rich foods.
- Nutrition education: WIC offers nutrition education classes and counseling to help families make healthy food choices and learn about good nutrition habits.
- Breastfeeding support: WIC provides breastfeeding support and education to help mothers initiate and sustain breastfeeding.
- Farmers’ market vouchers: WIC provides vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers’ markets.
To find WIC-authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets in Texas, families can visit the Texas Department of Health and Human Services website or call the WIC toll-free number at 1-800-232-9332.
| Food Category | WIC-Approved Foods |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits |
| Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried vegetables |
| Whole Grains | Brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread |
| Dairy Products | Milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese |
| Protein-Rich Foods | Beans, lentils, eggs, poultry, fish, meat |
Well, there you have it, folks! This comprehensive guide has covered all the major stores in Texas that proudly accept WIC. Whether you’re expecting a little bundle of joy or already have little mouths to feed, we’ve got you covered. Remember, using WIC is not only a smart financial move but also a healthy choice for your family. So, make the most of this incredible program and stock up on the best nutrition for your loved ones. Thanks for stopping by, y’all! Come back and visit us again for more helpful resources and updates on all things WIC-related in the Lone Star State. Take care!