Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program

NOTICE

Washington WIC an essential service and continues to be available to pregnant women, new moms, and young children: During this challenging time, Washington WIC is here for vulnerable families. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC gives families access to nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, health assessments and referrals. WIC is for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, infants, and children under five. These services help diverse communities address their health needs during and after pregnancy and in early childhood.

See press release in English and Spanish:

WIC is a supplemental food program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, infants and children. WIC also provides health screening, nutrition and health education, breastfeeding promotion and support, help getting other services and monthly benefits for nutritious foods.

Health screening
Nutrition and health education
Breastfeeding promotion and support
Help getting other services
Monthly benefits pay for nutritious foods

Immigrant clients are encouraged to access services without fear

It's very unlikely that federal immigration agents would search our clinics for someone. But, just in case, Public Health — Seattle & King County has taken steps to strengthen the protections for all clients at our health clinics. Learn more.

Qualifications to be eligible for WIC

You live in Washington state, and;
Have a medical or nutrition need, and;
You are pregnant, a new mother, or have a child under five years of age

Foster children under age five and foster teens who are pregnant are income eligible for WIC.
A woman who is pregnant is counted as a family of two. If she is having twins, she is counted as a family of three.

Meet the income guidelines:

View the current statewide WIC income eligibility guideline chart
Eligibility for the program is based on gross monthly income and nutritional need. A household is defined as a group of related or non-related individuals, who usually, although not necessarily, are living together and share income.

Gross income is income before taxes and deductions. Your family may still be eligible even if you are working, a single parent or receiving SNAP assistance.
If you receive Basic Food Program benefits, Medical Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) you are income eligible for WIC.

How WIC foods are provided

Many local grocery stores accept WIC monthly benefits. WIC monthly benefits are valued at approximately $100 for a family of two per month and are exchanged for nutritious foods. Foods that are high in protein, calcium, iron, or vitamins A & C such as:

Baby food
Milk
Peanut butter
100% fruit juice with vitamin C
Cheeses
Dried peas and beans
Cereals fortified with iron

Eggs
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Infant cereal
Iron fortified baby formula (for babies who are not breastfed)
Tuna and carrots for women fully breastfeeding with babies
Whole grains

How to access First Steps and WIC services

Public Health offers First Steps and WIC services at multiple locations across King County. Home or off-site visits are also available. To schedule an appointment, call 206-263-9300.