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What is WIC?

WIC is a program that provides nutrition and breastfeeding services and supplemental foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to the age of 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC serves foster infants and children, and many non-traditional families. WIC provides nutrition education, personalized breastfeeding support, and referrals to other public health programs.

 How can WIC benefit me?

There are a variety of helpful resources that WIC can provide for free. Some of the main benefits available to WIC participants are:

  • Nutrition counseling
  • Funds to purchase healthy foods (eWIC card)
  • Prenatal and breastfeeding support
  • Health assessments
  • Referrals to other helpful programs

How can I receive WIC benefits?

WIC is funded and administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, but the Utah Department of Health and Human Services distributes the funds to local health departments, which operate WIC clinics throughout the state of Utah.

You can call a WIC clinic near you, or you can request an appointment and begin the application online

What does "nutritional risk" mean?

A nutritional risk refers to a condition or circumstance that may increase the likelihood of an individual to develop nutritional problems or deficiencies later on. WIC benefits can help prevent nutritional problems or deficiencies from developing. A WIC health professional will assess your medical history, dietary habits, lifestyle, and other information to determine a nutritional risk.

Some examples of nutritional risks are:

  • Anemia
  • History of pregnancy complicationsHealth and Human Services Logo
  • Inadequate dietary patterns
  • Diets that do not meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans daily recommendations

Who qualifies for WIC?

To qualify for WIC, your household's gross income* must be at or below a specific amount, you must be a Utah resident, and be determined to be at nutritional risk by a WIC health professional. Assessments for nutritional risk are free of charge and will be completed at your first WIC appointment.

Learn if you qualify to receive WIC benefits.

*Gross income is a household's total, non-excluded income, prior to deductions being made.

Did you know...

Your income already qualifies for WIC if you or your family:

  • Qualifies for free or reduced-cost lunch,
  • Receives Medicaid,
  • Receives SNAP, or
  • Receives TANF (Family Empowerment Program)

 

Can non-citizens apply for benefits?

Yes. Anybody who fits the criteria listed above may apply and receive benefits, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

Utah WIC Logo

Are there work requirements to receive benefits?

While there are no work requirements to receive WIC benefits, the total income of the household must be below a certain level.

What should I bring to my WIC appointment?

  • Proof of identity for yourself and each child applying for WIC
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of income of each working person in the household
  • Immunization records
  • Your children that are under the age of 5 that may qualify for WIC

You don’t need to bring these documents for another year after your first appointment, unless information changes before then. Find additional information on what to bring to your first WIC appointment. You can also call your local WIC clinic if you have questions.

What can I buy with WIC benefits?

Utah WIC food benefits can only be used at WIC authorized stores in Utah. Most grocery stores in Utah are WIC authorized.  

  • Beans and peanut butter
  • Infant cereal and baby food
  • Infant formula
  • Dairy products and eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grain foods
  • Cereal
Here's a list of which retailers accept WIC.

Can I replace food I don't use with another food?

If you want to make substitutions for certain foods, you must contact your WIC clinic to discuss making changes to the current benefits loaded on your card. Substitutions cannot be made in the store; the foods you purchase must align with the specific benefits provided to you by WIC, otherwise these items will not be deducted when the eWIC card is used.

Do I have to buy all my WIC foods?

No, you only need to purchase the foods and amount of foods you and your family will use each month.

How does the eWIC card work?

  1. The eWIC card works exactly as a debit card would when used at grocery stores. This card is separate from the SNAP horizon card.
  2. Usually, 3 months of benefits are loaded on your card. However, you can only access one month's benefits at a time.
  3. Only WIC-approved foods can be purchased in the amount specified with your eWIC card.
  4. All foods issued for the month must be purchased before midnight on the last day of the month. Unused benefits do not roll over to the next month.

 

Can I buy diapers with WIC?

No, you cannot buy diapers with WIC. However, there are many local diaper banks that can provide assistance. WIC staff can also provide information about diaper banks in your area.


What if I am without a permanent address?

You can still apply for WIC benefits. Call your local WIC clinic before your appointment to see what you need to brin

Contact WIC at 1-877-WIC-KIDS (942-5437)

for additional information and to answer questions.

 

 

Additional Resources and Information

WIC at a Glance 
USDA FNS: WIC 
I’d like to apply and request an appointment 
USDA FNS WIC FAQ 
Utah WIC FAQ 
Does my household’s income qualify for WIC benefits?  
What exactly can I buy with my WIC benefits? 
Utah discounts with WIC 
I am without a home or permanent address. Where can I learn more? 
Download the WIC shopper app   

 

For additional information, please contact Dr. Palak Gupta.

Special thanks to Carson Johnson for compiling this information.