WIC Program for Women

Women who have a very low income may get worried when they become pregnant. They wonder how they will have enough money to get the food and care they need in order to have a healthy pregnancy. Other women who have recently had a baby may have the same concerns. The government has a program that is in place that will help to meet this need called Women, Infant & Children (WIC). The WIC program for women helps millions of people around the country to meet their nutritional needs.

WIC Explained

The WIC program for women is federally funded. The voucher program is provided by the government and aims to help ensure that certain segments of the population get the food assistance that they need. The program is open to women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have dependent children ages five and under. To qualify for WIC, you have to not only meet those requirements, but you also need to prove that you are low income. They have low income requirements that you will need to meet in order to qualify for the program.

Additionally, the program requires that you be considered at a “nutritional risk.” The nutritional risk requirement means that you are considered underweight, have health problems, pregnancy complications, advanced maternal age, or have an inadequate dietary pattern. If you are someone that doesn’t eat on a regular schedule, such as three healthy meals per day, you may be considered to be a nutritional risk.

How WIC Works

They do offer an online prescreening tool that you can use to see if you meet the eligibility requirements of the program. If you meet the requirements for the program, you can move on to the next step, which is to apply. To apply for WIC program for women you will need to visit your local WIC office. At the WIC office you will be given a free health exam. At this time they will determine if you meet the nutritional risk needs. It is not an uncomfortable exam, so don’t fear going in for the appointment.

WIC is not a long term program. If you are approved for the program you can typically get it for up to a year, and then you will have to re-apply for it again. In some areas of the country there may be a wait list to receive WIC, because there are more people applying than they can meet the needs of. Those women who are underweight, anemic, or have other health conditions are given a priority if there is a wait list.

What WIC Provides

Those who are approved for the WIC program for women will receive a monthly check or voucher that can be used to purchase healthy foods. By the end of 2020, the program will be switching to using an electronic benefit card, similar to a debit card. WIC benefits are for purchasing healthy foods, to help women need their nutritional needs, so some foods are off limits. You can purchase cereals, produce, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, canned fish, tofu, bread, whole grain foods, canned beans, etc. You cannot purchase things like chips, soda, or other types of junk food with your WIC benefits.

WIC also provides vouchers that can be used at farmer’s markets around the country. This gives women the ability to get fresh produce. Not all farmers markets accept WIC vouchers, so you have to check with yours to see if they do. While most grocery stores accept WIC vouchers, there are some that do not.

Apply for WIC

The WIC program for women is helpful for those who need the assistance. If you want to move forward with applying for the program, locate the WIC office in your state. WIC offices are found at various places in each state, including at hospitals, community health departments, schools, community centers, mobile clinics, and public housing sites. You will make an appointment for the evaluation and to fill out the paperwork. Even if you are unsure if you qualify, it’s a good idea to apply to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you do, you will get food assistance that can help save you money and ensure that you have enough to eat and feed your children.