WIC

Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) is a nutrition education program that supplies supplemental foods for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. Benefits include healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding information, education and support, and referrals to other programs and services within your community. 

WIC is effective in improving the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants. A 1990 study showed that women who participated in the program during their pregnancies had lower Medicaid costs for themselves and their babies than did women who did not participate. WIC participation was also linked with longer gestation periods, higher birthweight, and lower infant mortality.

Who is eligible for WIC? 

  • A pregnant or breastfeeding woman

  • A woman who has just had a baby

  • A child under the age of five

  • Women Who Meet the Income Guidelines

What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

  • Proof of income such as each applicant’s Medicaid card or pay statements from the last 30 days showing the gross income for each adult living in your home. If you’re paid every week, bring 4 pay statements. If you’re paid every other week or twice a month bring 2 pay statements. Please report all income.

    • You may also bring a letter from the Department of Workforce Services showing the amount you receive in SNAP benefits or the Family Employment Program.

    • If your income is seasonal or fluctuates throughout the year, or if you are self employed, WIC staff can explain what documentation of income is acceptable.

    • Electronic verification of income is allowed if you can show pay statements to clinic staff on your smart phone or other device.

  • Proof of address such as a current utility bill, or a current rent or mortgage bill or receipt. It must have your street address printed on it.

  • Proof of identity for each person to be certified such as a: driver license, birth certificate, Medicaid card or photo ID. Infants may use a crib card or a hospital document. Children age 1 and older require a birth certificate, Medicaid card, or photo ID.

  • Infants and children being certified.


    Apply for WIC
FAQs
What services does wic provide?
Nutrition and Health Education:
  • Provides individual nutrition counseling sessions
  • Counsels high-risk participants with special dietary needs
  • Promotes healthy food choices
  • Teaches the relationship between nutrition and good health

At each clinic visit, you will have an opportunity to learn about nutrition. We provide participants with education on prenatal nutrition, infant feeding, breastfeeding, meal planning, shopping on a budget, and much more.

Breastfeeding Education and Support:
  • Supports breastfeeding women (lactation educators to help troubleshoot and direct, breastfeeding peer counselors)
  • Promotes breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method
  • Makes referrals to breastfeeding resources in the local community
Referrals and Service Information:
  • Provides individuals with referrals to medical care services
  • Refers routinely to immunizations, substance abuse counseling, health care coverage (Medicaid, Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), dental care, lead screening, prenatal care, family planning, well-child exams, and food banks)
  • Accepts and provides follow-up on referrals from area health care providers
What food does wic provide?

WIC foods improve the diets and health of women and children enrolled in the program. As a result, pregnant women are less likely to have low birth weight babies. Infants develop better, and children are less likely to have iron deficiency and other health problems. WIC approved foods include:

  • Iron-fortified cereal
  • 100% Juice
  • Eggs
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Whole grains
  • Peanut butter
  • Dried or canned beans
  • Infant fruits and vegetables

Exclusively breastfeeding women also receive:

  • Canned fish

Exclusively breastfed infants also receive jarred infant meats.

What should I expect at my WIC appointment?

  • You will be asked to identify your race and ethnicity. This information is for record-keeping purposes only and does not affect your eligibility.

    WIC will not ask about your immigration status. You do not need to be a legal resident of the U.S. to participate in WIC and receive food benefits.

    Information shared with the WIC clinic staff is kept confidential.

    At the clinic:

    • Your height and weight will be measured.
    • A simple screening test of the amount of iron in your blood will be done.
    • You will meet with a WIC health professional who will discuss your health and nutrition with you. She will then tell you the reason you qualify for the program and what food you will receive.  She will also give you simple ideas to improve your family’s eating habits.  Ask the WIC Health Professional any questions you might have.  She is there to help you.
    • You will receive an eWIC card to purchase specific healthy foods at the grocery store.  These cards may be used at most stores in Utah.
    • You will continue to have appointments at the WIC clinic about every three months to receive nutrition education and add benefits to your eWIC card.