WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a Special Supplemental Food Program that aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.
- WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program.
- WIC helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy.
- WIC provides nutrition and breastfeeding education and counseling; free, healthy foods; and referrals to health and other social services.
Clients receive an individualized food package and nutrition education. Families must meet income guidelines and be screened for a nutritional risk.
WIC Director
Jill Wald / jewald@nd.gov
WIC Certifier
Carli Pickard / cpickard@nd.gov
1. You must be a:
pregnant woman;
breastfeeding woman (up to one year after giving birth)
new mother (up to six months after giving birth)
parent, guardian or caretaker who has an infant or child younger than 5 years of age
AND,
2. You must have a nutritional health risk. The WIC Staff will be able to find a risk by checking your height, weight and iron level and having you answer some health and diet questions.
AND,
3. Your annual household income must be within WIC Guidelines (chart) which are based on gross income unless you are self-employed. Note: You may have a job and still meet these guidelines .
OR,
If you receive Medical Assistance (Medicaid), TANF, SNAP, or Healthy Steps, you are income eligible for WIC even if your income is above these guidelines. [Note: If you are pregnant, you can add one more person to the size of your household.]
- 1. Healthy Food + Nutrition Tips
WIC helps you feed your family healthy meals by providing:
- Monthly checks to buy foods that are good for you
- Recipes and ideas on how to use the WIC foods
- Tips for picky eating
2. A Community of Support
WIC offers a network of experts for information and guidance:
- Nutritionists provide personalized nutrition counseling
- Breastfeeding specialists to help you breastfeed successfully
- Individual assessment of growth and health
3. Referrals
WIC offers information about other helpful services including:
- Health care professionals such as doctors, dentists, and lactation consultants
- Immunization services
- Local social service programs including Medical Assistance, SNAP, and housing assistance.