WIC Basics

What Is WIC?

WIC stands for Women Infants and Children. It helps pregnant women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5 enjoy healthier lives through nutrition, education, and support.

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WIC helps income-eligible Vermont residents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a new baby, and children under age 5. Parents, grandparents, and foster parents may apply for children in their care. Or, if you or your child is on Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur or 3SquaresVT/SNAP, you can join WIC.

The benefits are bigger than you think

WIC provides healthy food for growing families including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, legumes/peanut butter, cereal, juice, infant food, and formula. But that’s not the only way WIC is there to help you and your family during those important early years. WIC also has tools and information for parents to raise healthy kids.

Education

Shopping guidance, prenatal nutrition tips, kid-friendly recipes, and nutrition counseling personalized to your family

Breastfeeding Support

Education programs, peer groups, breast pump equipment, and lactation counseling from certified specialists

Programs and Referrals

Immunization, medical, and dental referrals, social services, developmental screening, and access to community programs and events

What to expect

Applying for WIC is easy. Once we determine if you or your children are eligible, you can start the application process digitally, by text, or by calling your local office.

Once you’re approved, each eligible member of your family will receive a monthly food benefit that lists exactly what WIC foods are covered. Watch a video on the monthly food benefit.

There are different types of WIC appointments. Some determine if you’re eligible for WIC and get you set up, some are educational, and some are to check in on your health during pregnancy or the development of your children. 

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Certification

This yearly appointment is to verify that you and your family qualify for WIC benefits.
If this is your families first WIC appointment, your visit may also include:

•  A health assessment

•  Discussion about nutrition and health concerns you have

•  Referrals to other medical care and services

•  Information about monthly food benefits and education that will help you with your food budget

What to bring:

•  Yourself and children applying

•  Proof of identity

•  Proof of Address

•  Proof of Income
 

Health Update

During this yearly appointment we’ll check in on how you and your child are growing and answer any questions you may have about nutrition or breastfeeding.

What to bring:

•  Yourself and children

•  WIC card or other identification

•  Most recent height, weight, and iron levels, if available

Nutrition Education

Twice a year you’ll need to take advantage of nutrition or breastfeeding education resources. These visits may be in the clinic, over the phone, or done online through wichealth.org.

What to bring:

•  Yourself

•  WIC card or other identification