Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors
- Agency
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Type
- Federal Program
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
- Must meet income guidelines which are generally at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information, and support, as well as assists in finding healthcare and other community services.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information, and support, as well as assists in finding healthcare and other community services.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 and must be considered a nutritional risk.
Application Process
To apply, individuals must contact a local WIC agency to schedule an appointment and typically provide proof of residence, income, and IDs for all applying family members.
Required Documents
Proof of residence, proof of income, identification for all family members applying.
Images & PDFs
Best Practices for Healthy Eating
A visual guide promoting healthy eating habits for children, providing supportive and encouraging information for families.
View Full ImageGrandparents Raising and Nurturing Dependent Children Resource Book
This resource book provides information and support for grandparents and other relative caregivers raising children in Delaware. It aims to be a guide for navigating available social services.
View Full ImageHealth Equity Guide for Public Health Practitioners and Partners
A comprehensive guide aimed at public health practitioners and partners in Delaware, focusing on health equity practices. It emphasizes accessible healthcare, providing strategies and support to improve quality of life without stigma.
View Full ImageMARWIC TIMES: MID-ATLANTIC REGION ... WIC Works Resource System - USDA
A supportive and encouraging billboard promoting the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program with a focus on assistance for families in need.
View Full ImageMARWIC TIMES: MID-ATLANTIC REGION
An encouraging resource aimed at supporting individuals by promoting the WIC program. It emphasizes accessibility and assistance for women, infants, and children.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Economic Impacts of WIC: The Case of Rising Food Prices
1/10/2023 | Coverage: national
This USDA report analyzes how rising food costs coupled with stagnant wages have increased reliance on programs like WIC, emphasizing its importance in maintaining household food security.
Source: USDA Economic Research Service
Coverage Area: national
Reducing Stigma: A Community Approach to WIC Participation
8/5/2021 | Coverage: national
This report discusses strategies employed by community organizations to reduce stigma associated with WIC participation, highlighting success stories and testimonials from beneficiaries.
Source: National WIC Association
Coverage Area: national
The Impact of WIC on Food Security and Health Outcomes in Delaware
6/15/2022 | Coverage: state
This report outlines the positive impact of the WIC program in Delaware, showcasing how it supports the nutritional needs of women, infants, and children while fostering community health.
Source: Delaware Division of Public Health
Coverage Area: state
Program Timeline
American Rescue Plan Act
3/11/2021The American Rescue Plan included provisions to increase WIC benefits temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
12/13/2010This act reauthorized and expanded the WIC program, increasing benefits for fruits and vegetables and addressing nutrition standards.
Inclusion of Breastfeeding Support
8/1/1992WIC program regulations were amended to include support for breastfeeding mothers, reflecting the health benefits of breastfeeding.
Expansion of WIC Services
11/28/1989Congress approved the expansion of WIC services to include additional nutritional education and outreach efforts.
Establishment of WIC Program
6/17/1972The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program was established to provide nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
FAQ
WIC is a federal assistance program designed to provide nutritional support and education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of five. The program offers access to healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services.
Reference: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Eligibility for WIC in Delaware is determined based on income, nutritional risk, and residency. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children up to age five from families with a gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible. Additionally, applicants must be Delaware residents.
To apply for WIC in Delaware, make sure you have the following items:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, state ID)
- Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
- Income verification (e.g., pay stubs, tax return)
- Child's immunization records (if applicable)
- Medical documentation of nutritional risk (if available)
Having these documents ready will help streamline the application process.
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your WIC application:
- Gather all required documents mentioned above.
- Contact your local WIC office to schedule an appointment.
- Learn about the nutrition education classes available through WIC.
- Review the types of healthy foods covered by the WIC program.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth application process.
Reference: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/wic/index.html
Eligibility requirements may vary; please consult with your local WIC office for the most accurate information.
