WIC

What is WIC?

"WIC" stands for Women, Infants and Children. WIC is the Special Supplemental Foods Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutritious foods as well as nutrition counseling and education for its participants. It is a federally funded program of the United States Department of Agriculture. In New York State, WIC is part of the Department of Health.

Who is WIC for?

• Pregnant women (teens can apply)
• Children up to 5 years old
• Mothers of babies up to 6 months old
• Breastfeeding mothers of babies up to 12 months old

You can receive WIC even if:

• You are not a legal resident, a green card is not needed
• You are not a US citizen
• You do not have a social security number
• You or other household members work
• You get Food Stamps, public assistance or Medicaid
• You are a foreign student, (F-1 Visa).

What does WIC Provide:?

Checks for WIC foods that you can use at a neighborhood store and pharmacy.

The important foods you receive through the WIC Program include:

WIC is supplemental because it provides certain foods, which are considered essential for good growth and nutrition during the first few years of life. By providing these foods, participants may use money they have saved to purchase other foods such as bread, fruits, vegetables and meat.

• Nutrition education
  Learn how to choose healthy foods and how to fix healthy meals
• Breastfeeding support and assistance
  Breast milk is best
• Referral to other services
  Prenatal (PCAP) and postpartum care
  Well baby and Child Care
  Medicaid
  Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  Head Start
  Food Stamps
  Substance abuse treatment
  Family planning

How can I receive WIC??

In order to participate in the program you must meet eligibility criteria.

1. You must be a Pregnant, Postpartum or Breastfeeding woman, or an infant or a child under the age of five.
2. You must live in New York State.
3. You must qualify financially

How long can I receive benefits from WIC?

Pregnant women can stay on WIC until 6 weeks after their babies are born.

Breastfeeding mothers may stay on WIC until their baby's first birthday. A breastfeeding mother's nutritional status, health needs and income are reviewed 6 months from certification to see if she still meets the eligibility criteria. Mothers who choose not to breastfeed their babies or women whose pregnancy did not result in a live birth may be eligible up to six months postpartum. Infants and children may be on WIC until they turn 5 years old. Children's nutrition and health needs and their family's income are reviewed every 6 months to see if they still meet the eligibility criteria.

Who is eligible

FAMILY SIZE IS DETERMINED BY: EVERYONE WHO LIVES WITH YOU AND SHARES INCOME AND EXPENSES

• You are eligible for WIC if you receive Medicaid, Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
• You must be a New York State resident
• Families who meet income guidelines will be assessed by a health care professional for medical or nutritional risk.

Where are the Nassau County WIC site locations?