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Iowa WIC - 1-800-532-1579 or (515) 281-6650
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Families Home

Tools and Resources for Families

Nutrition Information - Click here to find useful nutrition information for your family.

Text4baby - Click here to learn about Text4baby, a service for pregnant women and moms with infants under age one. There is no cost to sign up for this texting service from the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. Even if you do not have a text messaging plan, you can receive these messages for free.

You can now use Text4Baby to set up a text reminder for your next WIC appointment using these simple steps:

1. If you are already a text4baby participant, text the word “WIC” to 511411.

2. To set up the appointment reminder text the word “REMIND” (or “CITA” for Spanish) to 511411.

3. When prompted, enter the appointment date (e.g., 10/02/12) and a short description of the appointment (examples: “with WIC at Front St. office/bring proof of address/get lab results”).

4. You will receive the following automated text message: “Your reminder is set for your appointment on 10/12/13. We will send you a reminder three days before.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of WIC?

  • WIC provides you with health services. These services include nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, checks to buy nutritious foods, immunization screening and referrals, and health and social services referrals.
  • WIC nurses and dietitians meet with you to assess your diet and health history, provide nutrition counseling, and determine what foods are right for you and where you should shop.
  • WIC promotes and supports breastfeeding.

What foods can I get from WIC?

  • Infants - Breastfeeding is very important for growing babies. If a mom is not able to breastfeed then iron-fortified formula is provided for the baby. When your baby is old enough, baby foods and plain cereal will be available.
  • Children 1-5 years old - These children can receive milk, juice, cereal, eggs, peanut butter or dried beans, whole wheat bread, and fruits and vegetables.
  • Breastfeeding moms - Moms who feed their babies by breastfeeding can receive milk, cheese, juice, cereal, eggs, peanut butter and/or dried beans, tuna or salmon, whole wheat bread, and fruits and vegetables.

What are the approved WIC foods?

All approved foods are listed on the "WIC Approved Foods List" document below

What is a WIC Vendor?

A WIC vendor is a grocery store or pharmacy that is approved by the state WIC office to accept WIC checks. Check the link above "Where do I shop?" to find WIC vendors close to you.

Who decides what foods are given with WIC?

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) makes the decision as to what food packages WIC participants get to have based on vitamin and nutrient recommendations.

What is the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program?

Congress established this program to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants. The state WIC agency determines who receives these checks each summer. Contact your local WIC agency for more information.