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
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service
- Type
- Federal Program
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
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, and 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, and assists in finding healthcare and other community services.
Images & PDFs
Federal Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Department of Human Services - Hawaii
An organizational chart of the Department of Human Services in Hawaii, showing the structure and offices involved in social services.
View Full ImageHawaii Title V Programs by Unit
An overview of the divisions within the Hawaii State Department of Health's Family Health Services. It outlines the different branches and their functions such as Maternal and Child Health and Women, Infants, and Children Services.
View Full ImageMaternal and Child Health Services - Hawaii State Department of Health
A comprehensive overview of state priority needs in maternal and child health in Hawaii, focusing on critical areas like reproductive planning, infant mortality reduction, child health, adolescent well-being, and access to health services.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
The Economic Impact of WIC in Hawaii
1/15/2023 | Coverage: state
This study examines how WIC benefits alleviate financial stress for families amidst rising costs of living in Hawaii.
Source: University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization
Coverage Area: state
Understanding Stigma: WIC Participation in Hawaii
8/20/2021 | Coverage: state
This report explores the social stigma surrounding WIC and strategies for community engagement to promote program acceptance.
Source: Hawaii Nonprofit Alliance
Coverage Area: state
WIC Program Impacts in Hawaii: An Analysis
5/10/2022 | Coverage: state
This report analyzes the benefits of the WIC program in Hawaii, highlighting how it supports low-income families and fosters community resilience.
Source: Hawaii Department of Health
Coverage Area: state
Program Timeline
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
3/23/2010This act reauthorized WIC and made significant changes to the program, including enhancing food package options.
Introduction of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
10/1/1992WIC began transitioning from paper vouchers to an electronic benefits transfer system to streamline access to benefits.
WIC Amendments
1/1/1980Amendments to the WIC program were enacted to expand eligibility and services, reflecting the program's evolving role in public health.
Establishment of WIC
6/30/1972The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program was established to provide nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
FAQ
WIC offers comprehensive support to breastfeeding mothers through personalized counseling, education, and resources. Participants can receive breastfeeding supplies, access to lactation consultants, and peer support groups. This assistance helps mothers successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/index.html
To qualify for WIC in Hawaii, applicants must meet the following criteria: be a resident of Hawaii, have a household income that is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, and be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under five years old. Additionally, participants must be assessed for nutritional risk.
To apply for WIC, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- 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 returns)
- Health records for children (e.g., immunization records)
Having these documents prepared will streamline your application process.
Here are some action items to help you get started with WIC:
- Visit your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment.
- Gather necessary documentation to bring to your appointment.
- Attend nutritional education sessions offered by WIC.
- Keep track of your benefits and appointments regularly.
These steps will help you fully utilize the WIC program's benefits.
Reference: https://health.hawaii.gov/wic/
Eligibility and benefits are subject to change; please refer to official sources for the most current information.
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a federally funded nutrition program that provides assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children up to age five. WIC offers nutritional education, counseling, and supplemental food benefits to promote healthy growth and development.
Reference: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/women-infants-and-children-wic
