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WIC - WOMEN, INFANTS & CHILDREN
What is the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program?
The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program, is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. The WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program is for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women and children under age five (5) who have a nutritional risk.
What can I get at WIC?
- Special checks to buy healthy foods such as milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, dry beans, peas and peanut butter.
- Information about nutrition and health to help you and your family eat well and be healthy.
- Support and information about breastfeeding your baby.
- Help in finding health care and other community services.
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Who can WIC help?
Women and their children who need better nutrition and who are:
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or just had a baby;
- Children under 5 years old (including foster children);
- Families with a low to medium income. Working families may qualify.
How do I apply for WIC services?
Call 1-800-360-8840 to make an appointment and find out which documents you need to bring with you. At your appointment, WIC staff will check to see if you and your family qualify.
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Where can I find a WIC site?
We have several WIC sites in Tulare County (pdf). WIC has offices located throughout California. Call the toll free number 1-888-WIC-WORKS or 1-888-942-9675 for more information and to find the WIC office location closest to your home.
Where can I use my WIC vouchers in Tulare County?
There are many locations throughout Tulare County that are WIC vendor sites (pdf).
Do I need health insurance?
You or your family may qualify for the Medi-Cal Program or the Healthy Families program (a low cost health insurance program). To contact the Medi-Cal Program, call 559-685-4825. To contact the Healthy Families program call 1-800-880-5305. If your children are from 1 year old up to age 19, they may qualify for very low cost health insurance provided by the State of California Healthy Families program. Your local WIC agency can refer you to either program.
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What happens at my WIC appointments?
At some appointments, you will see a counselor. He or she will give you suggestions and ideas about healthy eating for you or your child. At other times, you will join with other WIC participants in a nutrition or health class.
What do I need to do to stay on WIC?
At some appointments, your WIC staff will check to see if you or your child is still eligible for WIC. This is called recertification. You will need to bring:
- The medical form filled out by your doctor
- Proof of your income
- Proof of your address
- Food records of what you or your child eat
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How long can I stay on WIC?
If you meet the income and medical guidelines, you may stay on WIC:
For women:
- If breastfeeding, until one year after your baby is born.
- If not breastfeeding, until six months after your baby is born.
For infants and children:
- Until your child's nutrition problem has improved, or
- Until your child reaches his or her fifth (5th) birthday, whichever comes first.
What are my rights on the WIC program?
- You have the right to WIC services regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex (of children) or disability.
- You have the right to be treated fairly and courteously by WIC staff.
- You have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect by the employees at your grocery store.
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What should I do to help the WIC program work for me?
- Keep your WIC appointments. If you can't keep an appointment, please call your local WIC office right away. WIC staff work hard to see you at your appointment time, so please be on time.
- Always bring your WIC ID Folder to your WIC appointments and to the store. Bring your WIC Allowed Foods List when you go to the store to help you shop.
- Treat your WIC staff and store employees with courtesy.
- Buy the right foods and the right amounts with your vouchers.
- Use your WIC foods for you and your family. They can't be returned to the store for money or sold to someone else.
- Be sure to bring in the information that the WIC staff need when they ask for it.
- Keep your doctor appointments.
- Tell the WIC staff about any changes in your name, address or phone number.
- If you're going to be moving, ask your WIC staff for a transfer care before you move.
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Where can I find more information on WIC?
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