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
- 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 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.
Images & PDFs
CHDP Overview Workshop Riverside University Health System
An informational flyer for parents of infants under one year of age, explaining eligibility for Medi-Cal and CHDP services if the mother was receiving Medi-Cal at the time of the baby's birth.
View Full ImageIdentifying Whole Grain-Rich for WIC
An informative guide on how to identify products that qualify as whole grain-rich for WIC programs, helping participants make healthier food choices.
View Full ImageMinnesota WIC Breastfeeding Guidance
A document providing tips for local nutrition education on breastfeeding within the Minnesota WIC program. It aims to support and guide participants without stigma.
View Full ImageOral Health Care During Pregnancy: A Resource Guide
A resource guide focusing on oral health care during pregnancy, highlighting the importance and benefits of maintaining oral health for expectant mothers.
View Full ImageWIC PreScreening Tool
An online tool designed to help users determine eligibility for the WIC program, explaining benefits and providing guidance on how to apply.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Rising Costs and WIC: A Critical Resource for Families
1/15/2023 | Coverage: national
This report from the National WIC Association outlines how rising food costs and stagnant wages make programs like WIC essential for many families.
Source: National WIC Association
Coverage Area: national
Stigma and Support: How WIC Changes Lives
11/20/2021 | Coverage: national
This academic study explores the stigma associated with receiving WIC benefits and how participation in the program empowers families.
Source: Johns Hopkins University
Coverage Area: national
The Impact of WIC on Minnesota Families
5/10/2022 | Coverage: state
This report discusses the multifaceted benefits of the WIC program for families in Minnesota, highlighting how it improves nutritional outcomes and economic stability.
Source: Minnesota Department of Health
Coverage Area: state
Program Timeline
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
12/13/2010This act reauthorized several child nutrition programs, including WIC, enhancing benefits and expanding access.
WIC Food Package Changes
12/8/2004New food package guidelines were introduced to reflect current nutritional standards, encouraging healthier choices.
WIC Reauthorization
8/10/1992The WIC program was reauthorized, enhancing the focus on health services and nutrition education.
WIC Expansion Act
11/6/1981The WIC Expansion Act was signed into law, broadening eligibility and expanding the program's reach to more families.
WIC Program Established
6/30/1972The WIC program was established by the Child Nutrition Act to provide nutritional support for low-income women, infants, and children.
FAQ
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Minnesota is a federal assistance program that provides nutritional support, education, and healthcare referrals for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. WIC aims to improve the health and nutrition of participants, providing them with access to healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education.
Reference: https://mn.gov/dhs/wic/
Eligibility requirements apply, and participation may be subject to verification.
To be eligible for the WIC program in Minnesota, applicants must meet certain criteria including being a pregnant or postpartum woman, an infant, or a child under the age of five. Additionally, participants must have a household income that falls below 185% of the federal poverty level. Eligibility is determined at local WIC agencies.
To determine if you are eligible for WIC, please review the following checklist:
- Are you a pregnant or postpartum woman, infant, or child under 5 years old?
- Is your household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level?
- Do you live in Minnesota?
- Have you provided the necessary documentation for verification?
If you meet all the above criteria, you may be eligible for WIC benefits.
If you want to apply for WIC, consider these action items:
- Gather proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
- Prepare identification (driver's license, state ID).
- Contact your local WIC office to schedule an appointment.
- Complete the application process with the required documentation.
Completing these action items will help ensure your application process is smooth.
Reference: https://mn.gov/dhs/wic/eligibility/
This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility.
