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
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Type
- Federal Program
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
- Households with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible
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
Residents of Massachusetts, Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, Infants and children up to 5 years of age
Application Process
Applicants can apply by contacting their local WIC office, either by phone or visiting in person.
Required Documents
Proof of residency, proof of income, identification, proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
Images & PDFs
FY 2022 SNAP-Ed Plan Guidance
This resource provides guidance for implementing SNAP-Ed programs, focusing on a social-ecological model for food and physical activity decisions to improve health outcomes.
View Full ImageMichigan Guide to Creating a Collaborative Approach to Supporting Families with Babies with NOWS
A guide focused on supporting families with babies experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) using collaborative approaches. It aims to provide care and support without stigma.
View Full ImageNew Hampshire WIC Fit-N-Fun Project Report
A report on the New Hampshire WIC Fit-N-Fun Project aimed at revitalizing nutrition services in WIC.
View Full ImagePerinatal Care Guidelines Mass General Brigham Health Plan
A document outlining perinatal care guidelines provided by Mass General Brigham Health Plan detailing initial prenatal visit expectations, health assessments, and support services.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Rising Costs and the Necessity of WIC: A Community Perspective
1/15/2023 | Coverage: state
This report highlights how increasing costs of living have escalated the need for WIC benefits among low-income families, and it emphasizes community efforts to destigmatize the program.
Source: Community Impact Network
Coverage Area: state
The Impact of WIC on Health Outcomes in Massachusetts
5/10/2022 | Coverage: state
This report examines the positive health outcomes associated with WIC participation in Massachusetts, demonstrating how the program supports maternal and child health while also benefiting local communities.
Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Coverage Area: state
WIC Works: Evidence from Massachusetts
8/30/2021 | Coverage: state
This evidence-based report provides an overview of how WIC assists participants in achieving economic stability, promoting healthy habits, and supporting community well-being.
Source: WIC Works
Coverage Area: state
Program Timeline
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
1/1/2021WIC services adapted to provide remote consultations and support due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued access to services.
WIC Reauthorization Act
12/13/2010The WIC Reauthorization Act updated funding and program guidelines to adapt to changing nutritional science and demographic needs.
Nutrition Education Requirement Introduced
5/5/1992Nutrition education became a mandatory component of the WIC program, enhancing the quality of care and education provided to participants.
Expansion of Eligibility
10/1/1980The eligibility criteria for WIC were expanded, allowing more families to benefit from the program, increasing accessibility for Massachusetts residents.
WIC Program Established
12/12/1972The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was officially established to provide nutritional support to low-income women and children.
FAQ
The WIC program in Massachusetts is a nutrition assistance initiative designed to provide support to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of five. The program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to healthy food, aiming to improve the health and well-being of families during critical developmental periods.
Reference: https://www.mass.gov/wic
WIC provides a variety of services to eligible participants, including personalized nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, nutrition education classes, and vouchers for healthy food items. The program also connects families to healthcare resources and other community services.
Reference: https://www.mass.gov/wic-services
Eligibility for the WIC program includes being a pregnant woman, postpartum woman, or a caregiver of an infant or child under five years old. Participants must meet certain income guidelines, which are typically set at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, applicants must be residents of Massachusetts and have a nutritional risk as determined by a health professional.
If you're considering applying for WIC, here's a helpful checklist of what you need:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate)
- Proof of residency in Massachusetts (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax return)
- Health records for your children, if available
Make sure you have all the required documents ready to streamline the application process.
Here are some action items to consider when applying for WIC:
- Visit your local WIC office or the Massachusetts WIC website to start your application.
- Schedule an appointment for a health screening to determine nutritional needs.
- Prepare your documents ahead of time to avoid delays.
Taking these steps can help ensure you receive the assistance you need.
Reference: https://www.mass.gov/wic-eligibility
Eligibility requirements are subject to change. Please consult the official WIC website for the most current information.
