Frequently Asked Questions About the WIC Program

What foods does WIC provide?

How do I receive these foods?

What should I bring to my appointment?

What happens at the WIC certification and recertification visit?

How often do I have to go to the WIC office or clinic?

Can a father or foster parent apply for their child?

If someone is working, can they apply for WIC?

What does medically/nutritionally at risk mean?

 

What foods does WIC provide?

For women (pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum):

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole wheat / whole grain bread or soft corn / whole wheat tortillas (Postpartum does not receive bread)
• Milk
• Iron-fortified cereals
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Peanut butter or beans/peas
• Vitamin C-enriched juice

For newborns (0-6 months): 

• Breastfeeding is encouraged - We can help!
• Iron-fortified infant formula

For infants (6-12 months): 

• Breastfeeding is encouraged - We can help!
• Iron-fortified infant formula
• Iron-fortified infant cereal
• Baby food fruits and vegetables (Stage 2 only)
• Baby food meats, if exclusively breastfed

For children (1-5 years): 

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole wheat / whole grain bread or soft corn / whole wheat tortillas
• Milk (Ages 2-5, 2% or less milk; Ages 1-2 whole milk)
• Iron-fortified cereal
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Peanut butter or beans/peas
• Vitamin C-enriched juice

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How do I receive these foods?

At your first visit, you will receive a Michigan WIC Bridge Card. Your food benefits are deposited on this EBT card to use at participating grocery stores and markets.

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What should I bring to my appointment?

•  Woman, infant or child who has the appointment
• Proof of income for everyone in your household (most recent check stub, W-2 form, statements from unemployment, social security, disability, child support, etc. )
• Medicaid or Food Stamp card
• Proof of identity for everyone on the WIC program (drivers license, state issued ID, social security card, birth certificate, crib card, hospital discharge papers, etc.)
• Proof of address (drivers license, recent utility bill, lease or rent agreement, etc.)
• Official guardianship or foster placement papers
• Proof of pregnancy (pregnant women)
• Immunization record (for children)

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What happens at the WIC certification and recertification visit?

You'll be asked for your proof of income, identity, and residency. Health , medical, and nutrition history will be reviewed. Height and weight is measured and an iron test (hemoglobin) may be performed (a quick finger poke).

A nutritionist will share information about health, nutrition, helpful services and answer your questions. You may also talk to our Public Health Nurse, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and may be offered immunizations. Lastly, you will receive up to 3 months of food benefits.

Please plan approximately 2 hours for your visit. Bring your child's favorite toy or books to help make the appointment easier for both you and your child.

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How often do I have to go to the WIC office or clinic?

You will visit your WIC office about every 3 months for food benefits and nutrition education. Not all visits to the WIC clinic require full certification / recertification process above. WIC staff will tell you what you need to bring and what will occur at each visit.

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Can a father or foster parent apply for their child?

We welcome fathers, foster parents, and legal guardians to apply for WIC services for an infant or child.

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If someone is working, can they apply for WIC?

Yes, WIC looks at income, not whether or not someone is working.

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What does medically/nutritionally at risk mean?

You have one or more of the following conditions:

• Low iron in the blood
• Too much or too little weight gain
• Poor diet
• Chronic diseases such as Diabetes
• Pregnant and under age 17
• Past problems during pregnancy
• New pregnancy within 16 months of the last pregnancy

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