Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

It is a nutrition and health program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy.

The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health.

WIC is for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or recently had a baby. It is also for infants or children under age 5. Those who fall into these qualifying groups are eligible for WIC if they have a nutritional and/or medical need and if they meet the WIC income guidelines or are enrolled in a program that qualifies under Adjunct Income Eligibility.

If you or a family member is currently participating in any of the following programs, you and your family are automatically income eligible for the WIC Program without providing proof of income: Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Food Support, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Energy Assistance, School Meal Program, and Head Start.

Or, if you or a family member is currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medical Assistance - TEFRA, the person receiving these benefits is income eligible for the WIC Program.

Families that are found to be presumptively income eligible can receive WIC benefits for three months. After three months, proof of current eligibility, or a pending application for a Minnesota Health Care Program must be provided to continue receiving WIC benefits.

Yes. Many people applying for WIC are not currently participating in any other program.

To be eligible for WIC you must live in Minnesota.

Pregnant women, mothers and fathers with an infant or child under the age of 5 and foster parent(s)/guardian(s) with an infant or child under the age of 5 can apply for the children. Postpartum women who are breastfeeding can apply until their infants turn one year old. Postpartum women who are not breastfeeding can apply until their infants are 6 months old.

Only those family members in the qualifying groups (see question #3) will receive the benefits.

There is no application to complete for the WIC program. You must schedule a Certification Appointment with your county or tribal WIC agency to see if you and other qualifying family members are eligible to receive WIC benefits. You must come in person and bring all family members applying for WIC to the appointment. To find your county WIC agency, click here.

During your appointment, you and/or your child will have a nutrition assessment including a measurement of weight, height, and hemoglobin (a quick finger stick). You will talk with a WC educator about good nutrition and healthy eating, breastfeeding and any special nutrition and health concerns your family might have. If you are found eligible for WIC benefits, you will receive WIC vouchers to purchase healthy foods for you and/or your child. You will also make another appointment to come back in 1-3 months for nutrition counseling based on the nutrition assessment and to pick up more vouchers.

You will need to bring a picture identification (ID), proof of address (such as a driver’s license, bill, recent receipt or personal mail), the person(s) you want approved to receive WIC benefits, proof of income (such as pay stubs, tax forms or unemployment checks) or proof of enrollment in an Adjunct Income Eligibility program (see question #4).

Yes. You will need to be recertified about every six months. You will need to keep making appointments at your WIC clinic as required for nutrition counseling and to receive additional vouchers for food. During these sessions, you can discuss any nutrition, parenting or health concerns you have and receive information and referrals. At some of these appointments, you will be asked to bring in proofs (see question #11) and have a health screening to continue your WIC certification.

Providing you continue to meet the income eligibility guidelines and schedule your WIC appointments, pregnant women can receive WIC benefits for up to six months after the birth of their baby or up to a year if they are breastfeeding. Children can remain on the program until their fifth birthday.

Each voucher tells what food can be purchased. WIC allows you to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereals, peanut butter, beans, milk, juice, soy products and infant foods. Food choices and amounts will vary depending on whether there is a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child 1 to 5 in the household. To learn more about WIC food guidelines, click here.

You can only use your voucher at a WIC-approved store. Click here to find a store near you. Each voucher is good for a specific time period. Make sure to use your voucher between the first and last day listed on the voucher. Each voucher is only good for the foods listed on it. Be sure the foods you select match the size/quantity and description of the foods listed on your voucher such as 2 gallons of skim or 1% milk, 1 dozen large eggs or 16 ounces whole grain bread.

WIC does not require information about your citizenship status. If you are an immigrant, using WIC services will not affect your ability to become a U.S. citizen.