The Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. As part of the program, participants receive special checks to buy healthy foods, such as milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, peanut butter, dry beans and peas. Additionally, WIC provides information about breastfeeding, help in finding health care and other community services, and nutrition and health resources to help you and your family stay healthy.
Who can WIC help?
- Women who need better nutrition and are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby as well as their children
- Children, including foster children, under 5 years of age
- Families, including working families, with a low or medium income
Who is eligible?
WIC is available to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, as well as children under age five, who are at nutritional risk and at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Many people incorrectly view WIC as a welfare program because participants must be members of a low-income family. However, over 50 percent of California women and children on WIC are members of a family where one or both parents work outside the home.
Do I qualify?
Contact your local WIC office to make an appointment and find out which documents you need to take. At your appointment, WIC staff members will let you know if you qualify
