Philadelphia WIC: Women, Infants, and Children
What is WIC?
WIC is a federally funded program that provides healthy supplemental foods and nutrition services for pregnant women, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under age five. Through the program, mothers have access to a variety of foods and drinks for free. This way it is possible to stay within your budget and eat healthily!
Each state has specific rules about who is eligible for the program and how much food each mother can receive. Eligibility depends on four main requirements: categorical, residential, income, and nutritional.
Here are the
basic questions you can ask yourself to figure out if you may be eligible for WIC in PA based
on these requirements.
For more
detailed information about eligibility criteria click on the following links!
Click here to Use the calculator to find out whether or not you may be
eligible for WIC!
Ready to apply? Click here to make an appointment at your local WIC agency!
Ok, I have WIC, now where can I shop?
WIC is accepted
at most, some corner stores, and many local Farmer’s markets. Look out for a
WIC logo on the store window or door, which means that WIC vouchers are
accepted there.
The Farmer’s Market Nutritional Program (FMNP)
provides fresh fruits and vegetables to WIC-eligible mothers who are pregnant,
postpartum, or have children under the age of two. You do not have to apply
separately for the FMNP program to receive its benefits, but you do have to
request them! Eligible WIC recipients receive the FMNP during their quarterly
WIC visit during the months of May - September. Recipients are given a
list of participating farmers and farmers' markets when they receive their
checks. These checks are redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables grown
in Pennsylvania. Each eligible recipient receives 4 - $5.00 SFMNP checks
to redeem at a qualified farmers' markets or roadside stands.
Not sure what you can purchase at the Farmer's Markets with WIC? Click here!
What can I buy with my WIC vouchers?
Each mom will
get a food package: IV, V, VI, or VII. The package you get depends on:
- Whether you are currently pregnant
- How old your infant or child is
- Whether you are breastfeeding exclusively, breastfeeding partially or formula feeding (type of breastfeeding determines how much extra/supplemental foods the infant will get)
Here is a quick look at the 2012-2013 WIC shopping list.
Find more
details about what you can and cannot buy on WIC by clicking on the links
below.
Pay attention to
buying instructions outline in the lists above! Some vouchers say the types
of products you are allowed to buy (example: “whole milk only”). Some vouchers
are redeemable for cash, while others are not.
WIC and Breastfeeding
WIC rewards breastfeeding moms! Mothers who breastfeed exclusively infants under 1 years old will receive more food in their monthly package than mothers who breastfeed partially or formula feed.
Breastmilk is the healthiest food for an
infant! Breastmilk contains everything that a baby needs to be protected from getting sick, to grow
strong bones and muscles, and to help develop the brain.
The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeeding their infants for the first six months of life, and continue to
breastfeed with supplementation until at least one year of life. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the
baby does not eat or drink anything other than the mother’s breastmilk (no
formula, juice, or water). This
recommendation is a goal, but any breastfeeding is better than no
breastfeeding!
Don’t be afraid to reach out ask for help
with breastfeeding! Although it is a natural process, it does not come easily
to many moms. Remember that as a breastfeeding mom, it is important to be active, eat nutritious foods, and stay hydrated! For more help, check out some of the links below for guidance!
What else do I get with WIC?
WIC provides free health screenings to determine nutritional risk(s), immunization status, and referrals to other health, social servicer, or community agencies.
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