If you think you may qualify, please call your local WIC agency to make an appointment.
What do I need at my WIC appointment?
After scheduling your WIC appointment you will need to bring with you:
Proof of Iowa Address - Please bring proof of address to your appointment. One of the following items that have your current address on it will work: a current utility bill, a rent or mortgage receipt, or a driver's license, Iowa non-driver ID, voter registration and public assistance notification or identification such as Medicaid, hawk-I, FIP, and Food Stamps.
Proof of Identity - Please bring proof of identity to your appointment. Examples of acceptable forms of I.D. include: valid driver's license, non-driver I.D., passport/visa, social security card, work or school I.D. card, Medicaid or Health Benefit card, pay stubs, Matricula Consular Card, immunization record, other medical or health record (including crib cards), birth certificate, voter registration, and WIC identification card ("blue card").
Proof of Income - Please bring proof of your household income. Some examples of proof to bring in are pay stubs, unemployment benefit checks, award notices, business records, a signed statement from your employer, or income tax forms. Applicants certified as eligible for certain other assistance programs are automatically income eligible for the WIC program. Please bring proof of the following to automatically qualify as income eligible: certified as eligible to receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or FIP; presumptively eligible for either FIP or Medicaid; applicant for Medicaid Home and Community Based Ill and Handicapped Services, Mental Retardation, AIDS/HIV, or Brain Injured Waiver Program; member of a household with a FIP recipient or a pregnant woman or an infant currently on Medicaid.
Where do I shop?
To locate local stores that accepts WIC checks, contact your local WIC Office.
Click here to find useful nutrition information for your family.
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, cheese, juice, cereal, eggs, peanut butter or 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 beans, tuna or salmon, whole wheat bread, and fruits and vegetables.
Other food packages are available for pregnant moms, moms who use formula and breastfeed, and moms who don't breastfeed up to 6 months after giving birth. Please ask your WIC agency for the full approved food list.
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.
