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
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Type
- Federal Program
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
- Households must have income 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, or children under five years old and must be at nutritional risk.
Application Process
Applicants must apply through their local WIC agency. An in-person visit is usually required for new applicants.
Required Documents
Proof of identity, residency within the state, income, and a document to prove the nutritional risk (like a referral from a healthcare provider).
Images & PDFs
Colorado WIC Program Policies & Procedures
This guide outlines policies and procedures for the Colorado WIC program, detailing the benefits and support available for women, infants, and children.
View Full ImageCommunity Health Assessment Infographic
An infographic by the Health Forward Foundation illustrating various health and community statistics. Includes visuals related to employment, education, and transportation.
View Full ImageFFY 2019 Colorado WIC Program Policies and Procedures
A document detailing the policies and procedures for the Colorado WIC Program for Fiscal Year 2019, focusing on the operational guidelines for providing nutritional assistance to women, infants, and children.
View Full ImageFFY 2019 Colorado WIC Program Retailer Handbook
A handbook for retailers involved in the Colorado WIC Program, detailing procedures and guidelines for serving participants.
View Full ImageWIC Pre-Screening Tool by Service Design Collective
An online pre-screening tool that helps individuals determine eligibility for WIC benefits. It provides a supportive and non-stigmatizing approach for accessing nutritional assistance.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Rising Costs and the Necessity of Support Programs: The Case for WIC
2/20/2023 | Coverage: national
This report explores how rising costs of living in the U.S. create increased reliance on aid programs like WIC, and dispels myths surrounding these benefits.
Source: Urban Institute
Coverage Area: national
The Economic Impact of WIC: Evidence from Kansas
11/1/2020 | Coverage: state
An analysis of the economic benefits of WIC in Kansas, focusing on its role in alleviating financial hardship for low-income families amidst rising costs of living.
Source: Kansas State University
Coverage Area: state
WIC Program Benefits: Kansas Success Stories
9/15/2021 | Coverage: state
This report outlines the success stories of families benefiting from the WIC program in Kansas, highlighting how it has improved nutrition and access to essential services.
Source: Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Coverage Area: state
WIC's Role in Supporting Women and Children During Economic Downturns
6/15/2022 | Coverage: national
This national report discusses the crucial role of WIC in providing nutritional support and reducing stigma, particularly during economic hardships.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Coverage Area: national
Program Timeline
WIC Program Technology Modernization
1/1/2021Federal support was allocated to modernize the technology used in the WIC program, aiming to improve accessibility and efficiency.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
12/13/2010This act included provisions to improve the WIC program, focusing on better nutritional standards.
WIC Food Package Improvement
10/1/1992Changes were made to the WIC food packages to provide more nutritious options, including fruits and vegetables.
WIC Reauthorization Act
12/1/1989The WIC program was reauthorized and received funding increases to expand services.
WIC National Expansion
10/1/1974WIC was expanded nationally after successful pilot programs, allowing states to establish their own WIC programs.
Establishment of WIC Program
1/1/1972The WIC program was established as a pilot program to improve the nutritional status of low-income women, infants, and children.
FAQ
You can find a WIC clinic by visiting the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website, where you can enter your zip code to locate the nearest clinic. Additionally, you can call the WIC office directly for assistance.
To locate your nearest WIC clinic, consider these action items:
- Visit the KDHE website and use the clinic locator tool
- Call the state WIC office for personal assistance
Following these steps will guide you to the nearest WIC clinic.
Reference: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/wic/clinic-locator
Participants in the WIC program receive a variety of benefits including access to healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health services. The program aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes and promote healthy growth and development.
Reference: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
To apply for WIC in Kansas, you will need to provide certain documentation during your appointment. This may include proof of income, identification, and residency. Be prepared to share information about your health and nutritional needs as well.
Here is a checklist of documents you may need for your WIC application:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.)
- Identification (driver's license, state ID, etc.)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
- Health records (if applicable)
Gathering these documents will help ensure a smooth application process.
Reference: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/wic/apply
This information is subject to change; please check the official website for the most current details.
WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children, a federally funded program designed to provide nutritional support and education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of five. Eligibility typically requires meeting certain income guidelines and being at nutritional risk. Applicants must reside in Kansas and can be enrolled regardless of immigration status.
Reference: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/wic
