What does the WIC program do? Firstly, WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. This is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding postpartum women. The program is also for infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
Furthermore, The platform provides vouchers that participants use at authorized food stores. More importantly, the WIC program goes nationwide across the U.S states by working with local organizations that accepts WIC vouchers.The platform improves health and nutritional assistance of pregnant women, new mothers and their infants thereby reducing women and infant mortality. The interesting thing about the platform is that eligible participants are free to locate any WIC store around them and the WIC near me around me. However, there are factors to be considered before applicants can be eligible for this program.
How can I be Eligible for WIC program?
Qualifying for WIC program is simple and easy. For participants to be eligible for the program, there are eligibility requirements every participant must meet.
- Categorical Requirements: this requirement is designed for different categories of women (pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding), infants and children.
- Residential Requirement: the applicants must live in the state before they can apply.
- Income Requirements: under this requirement, participants must have income at or below an income level or standard set by the state.
- Nutritional risk Requirement: the applicant must be seen by a health professional such as a physician or nutritionist who must determine whether the individual is at nutrition risk.
After following these eligibility requirements, it gives every participant the access to apply.
How to Apply for WIC
To apply for WIC is simple and easy. However, in this article, I will teach the following steps on how to apply.
- Contact the local WIC office to make an appointment.
- Visit the state’s website or call the toll-free number.
- Then, someone tells you the nearest location close to your home.
- The person will instruct you on the items you need to bring with you and also verify your local office and the types of documentation they need.
What do I bring for my first WIC appointment?
Everyone applying for the WIC appointment must have the following:
- Identification for yourself and any children age birth to 5 years.
- Proof of address- this is a document verifying your current address.
- Proof of income – this shows current documents such as paycheck, tax return or letter from employer.
However, booking a WIC appointment gives you access to enjoy the benefits of the platform.
What Benefit do I get from WIC program?
- WIC food packages for infants, children and women.
- Breastfeeding Promotion and Support
- Nutrition Services Standards
- WIC Special Project Grants
- Value Enhances Nutrition Assessment