Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federally-funded health, nutrition and breastfeeding program.
It provides supplemental foods to promote good health for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, and gives infants and children up to age 5 a healthy start to life.
During an appointment, the families receive individualized nutritional counseling, breastfeeding information and support, as well as referrals to health care providers and community resources if needed.
Who Can Apply?
There are three requirements:
- You need to be a resident of Stearns County.
All counties have WIC programs, but you need to contact the county you live in. Pregnant women, infants, and children up to age 5 are eligible. Foster parents may apply on behalf of the child. - All participants need to be income eligible.
If you receive services through MA, Minnesota Care, fuel assistance, food stamps, Headstart, or free/reduced school lunch, you automatically quality for WIC.
If you don't receive any of these services, don't worry. We assess your gross income and family size. Everyone living in the household who share income and household expenses are counted. - Those on WIC are assessed for a medical or nutritional risk factor.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply by phone or online!
How Often Do I Come to the WIC Clinic?
Generally, every three months; unless there is a special reason you or your child needs to come back.
What Do I Need to Bring?
You should bring:
- Proof of Identity for each person applying for WIC
(crib card, driver's license, social security card, birth certificate,or photo ID) - Proof of home address
(mail addressed to you, a bill, drivers license, pay stub, or WIC appointment letter) - Proof of entry in one of the qualifying programs, or proof of income
(pay stubs)
What Type of Screening Occurs During the Appointment?
We will:
- Check your height, weight and a Hemoglobin
- Do an assessment of your health
- Discuss you and your child's nutritional needs
How Long Does an Appointment Take?
You will get 30-60 minutes with a Health Nutrition specialist for the initial appointment. It varies, depending on the number of questions/topics discussed during the appointment. If there is more than one family member, it will take longer.
What Types of Foods Does WIC Provide?
As you can see, there's a lot of choice:
- Whole grains: brown rice, oatmeal, bread, tortillas
- Dairy: milk, cheese, eggs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dried beans, peas, lentils
- Soy beverages and tofu as a milk alternative
- Peanut butter
- Cereals
- Canned beans
- 100% Juice
- Infant cereals, fruits, vegetables
- Infant meats for fully breastfed babies
- Formula
- Light tuna/pink salmon for fully breastfeeding women
We need to remind you that WIC doesn't meet all the nutritional needs -- it is a supplemental program. The food package is provided to each participant, tailoring it to meet the nutritional needs of each participant on the program.
Where are the Clinics Located in Stearns County?
WIC has two clinics in Stearns County:
For more information on WIC services, see:www.fns.usda.gov/WIC
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/index.html