WIC Program
All WIC agencies have transitioned from providing checks to using electronic benefit transfer (EBT) to deliver WIC food benefits. This transition to EBT, referred to as eWIC, will create an easier shopping experience. WIC families will be able to purchase products over multiple trips to the store rather than purchasing everything at one time during the month. To learn more about eWic, click https://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/families/ewic/
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that helps women, infants and young children eat well and stay healthy by providing:
- Nutritional education
- Breastfeeding education & support
- Health screening
- Community referrals and
- Supplemental foods
WIC provides every participant or caregiver with the opportunity to participate in nutrition education which emphasizes the relationship between proper nutrition and good health, assists the participant in achieving a positive change in food habits, and encourages all to participate.
WIC approved foods are:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Tuna (Fully Breastfeeding Women Only)
- Cereal and Juice (Women-Tomato/Vegetable & Children-All juices)
- Peanut Butter or Dried Beans or canned beans
- Vegetables & Fruits
- Whole Wheat Bread, brown rice, or whole wheat or soft corn tortillas
- Infant formula (Infant to 1 year)
WIC encourages women to seek early prenatal care which promotes a positive health outcome for mom and baby. WIC encourages all prenatal women to breastfeed because the results include fewer ear infections for the baby, less respiratory illness, less diarrhea and constipation, saves money, and improves post-partum weight loss.
Eligibility is based on 3 things
Category – Infants from birth up to one year, children 1 year to 5 years,and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum up to 6 months.
Income – Calculated on the family income at 185% or less of federal poverty level.
Nutritional Risk – Risk assessment helps to determine the priorty counseling for participants.
All persons applying or re-applying for WIC must show proof of identity, residence, and income for all members of the applicant’s household. Examples include:
| Proof of Identity | Bring a current & valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, work/school ID card, military card, or passport. Also, bring proof of identity when participants, guardians, or proxies are picking up vouchers. For infants and children, bring shot record or birth certificate. |
| Proof of Residence | Bring the most recent water, phone, cable, gas, or electric bill that has the address on it. |
| Proof of Income | Bring the most recent employment/unemployment pay stub, DFS benefits award letter, Medicaid card, MC+ card or Food Stamp card. If self-employed bring in a copy of your recent Federal Tax papers submitted. All items that apply need to be provided for all members of applican’ts household. |
| Shot Record | Bring for infants and children |
Failure to provide these necessary items may cause your appointment to be rescheduled at a later time.