WIC FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
What about fathers?
Fathers of children under age five are encouraged to enroll their children in the WIC program. Fathers can bring their children to appointments, attend nutrition education classes, and cash food vouchers for their children. Active participation by fathers is a great help in keeping WIC children healthy.
What if I'm a foster parent?
You can apply on behalf of your foster child if he or she is under five years of age. Income is based on the amount of income you receive for the foster child. He or she counts as a family of one in those cases where the Welfare agency is legally responsible for the child and the foster home is, in fact, an extension of the Welfare agency. When a foster child has been placed in a permanent home by the Welfare agency or the Welfare agency has subsidized the adoption of the child, that child shall be considered a member of the household with whom he or she resides. Payments made by the Welfare agency or from any other source for the care of that child shall be considered income for the child.
What if I’m a teen? Do I qualify if I live with my Mom or Dad?
In most cases, if you are a teen, you must count all of the income of your household when determining if you are eligible for WIC. Please call your local WIC office to find out if you are income eligible.
What if I am a grandparent?
If you are a grandparent who has custody of grandchildren under age 5, you may apply on their behalf. If you do not have custody, you may accompany your grandchildren and their parent(s) to the WIC appointment and you may become a proxy. A proxy is a person who acts on behalf of the WIC parent/caretaker to come to WIC to pick up vouchers and/or to go to the food store to redeem them.
How do I become a WIC client?
Contact your local WIC Nutrition Center for an appointment. Or, call toll-free 1-800-PAWIC-4-U between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday to find out where the closest WIC office is to where you live.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
1) Bring documentation of your family's income and Medicaid, TANF or Food Stamp cards if you are receiving these benefits. Bring documents for everybody in your family who works or has a source of income. Examples of documentation are: paycheck stub, recent tax return, letter from your employer. All applicants are required to provide proof of income.
2) Bring documentation of where you live such as a utility bill, rent receipt, or business letter.
What happens at my WIC appointment?
You or your child will undergo a simple health screening to determine nutritional risk. You will also receive nutrition education and will be provided with vouchers to take to the grocery store to buy nutritious foods.
How often do I have to come to WIC?
Most people come to the WIC center either once a month or once every 2-3 months. This depends on both your needs and your WIC center schedule. When you first enroll in the WIC Program, you will discuss your schedule with the WIC Nutritionist or Nurse.
How do I get the food? What foods will I receive? When do I get them?
During your WIC appointment, you will receive vouchers for a specific food package for each member of your family who qualifies for WIC. You can take the voucher(s) to any WIC approved grocery store, to purchase the specific foods in the quantities listed on the WIC voucher. Click here to view the WIC food list.
Are services free?
All WIC services are free to those who are eligible.
What other services am I eligible for?
WIC will refer you to a variety of health and social services agencies and programs, including:
- Medicaid Food Stamps
- Prenatal services like Healthy Beginnings Plus
- Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Family Planning Services
- Food Pantries and Emergency Food Programs
- Housing Services
- Parenting Classes
- Substance Abuse Programs
- Child Care
- Child Support Enforcement
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Special Kids Network
- Love Em with a Checkup
- Childhood Lead Prevention Program
- Childhood Immunizations
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