Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program, which helps support families when they need it most.

Who Should Apply

• Residents of New York State
• Pregnant women
• Mothers who breastfeed (until the child reaches age one)
• Mothers not breastfeeding (up to six months after birth of a child)
• Infants from birth until one year old
• Children one to five years of age

How to Qualify

When you visit our office for your appointment, please bring your child or children along, as well as the following documents:

• Acceptable proof of identity (photo ID);
• Proof of address (rent receipt, utility bill, etc.);
• Proof of income (Last 4 pay stubs, W2 tax statements, proof of disability income, child support statements and/or a letter of support);
• Unemployment benefit letter/pay stubs;
• Birth certificate and immunization records (necessary for each child);
• Proof of pregnancy; and
• Completed WIC medical referral form.

Benefits for WIC Participants

Supplemental Foods

Depending on the category, participants receive vouchers to take to the local stores to redeem for specific foods.

The WIC food package may contain milk, cheese, eggs, juices rich in vitamin C, tofu, whole grain cereals, whole wheat bread, whole wheat tortillas, brown rice, canned fish, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, dried beans or canned beans. Infants may receive iron fortified formula, baby food jars of fruits, vegetables, meat, and infant cereal depending on breastfeeding status.

Nutrition Education

Participants are offered at least two nutrition education sessions during each certification period. All pre-natal and breastfeeding mothers receive breastfeeding education and support. We offer a breast feeding program and have a breastfeeding coordinator and peer counselor available on staff to assist patients.

Referrals to Other Services

WIC staff is knowledgeable of other services offered in the community. An overall assessment of an applicant’s needs is conducted and appropriate referrals to health and human service programs are made.

Period of Time for WIC Benefits

Different categories of participants are certified for different periods of time. At the end of a certification period, the individual must repeat the entire eligibility determination process in order to continue receiving benefits.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. New York State prohibits discrimination based on creed, marital status and sexual orientation. Persons who believe they have been discriminated against based on the New York State Human Rights Law should call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006, or write to the WIC Program Director, Riverview Center, FL6W, 150 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12204.