How To Apply For WIC In District Of Columbia

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also know as WIC, is a program that is designed to help low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children 5 years old or younger who are at nutritional risk. The District Of Columbia WIC program accomplishes this by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information that can help provide healthy eating options including breastfeeding, and referrals to health care. If you are looking to know how to apply for WIC in District Of Columbia, then read the information provided below.

Who can participate in Washington DC WIC?
You can participate in WIC if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, a new mother, an infant, or a child up to age 5;
• Live in DC (You do not have to show proof of U.S. citizenship to participate.);
• Meet income guidelines or medical risk for your family as listed below or are participating in Medicaid, DC Healthy Families, School Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Stamp Program; and/or
• Have a nutritional or medical risk (determined by a nutritionist or other health professional).
• Fill out the WIC Prescreening Tool to find out if you might be eligible for WIC.

Apply for Washington DC WIC
To apply for the WIC Program in the District of Columbia:

• Call 1 (800) 345-1WIC
• WIC staff will ask you a few questions to determine if you are eligible
• If found potentially eligible, a WIC staff person will schedule an appointment at the WIC clinic of your choice

On the day of the appointment, plan to spend one hour and bring:

• Proof of DC residence (a bill or letter addressed to you in the past 30 days)
• Proof of total family income (last two check stubs or Medicaid, DC Healthy Families, School Lunch Program, TANF, or Food Stamp notice)
• Proof of pregnancy or proof of birth (birth certificate or discharge papers)
• Child's shot record
• Child (all children who are eligible, ages 1 - 5)

WIC provides the following benefits to qualified residents:

• Nutritional care and education services to improve eating habits while on WIC and for a lifetime. Nutrition education is designed to be easily understood and practical
• Breastfeeding promotion and support programs to increase the incidence and duration of breast feeding
• A tailored package of some of the foods needed by the individual to ensure good health and nutrition during critical times of growth and development. Foods provided by the program supply calcium, protein, iron, and Vitamins A, D, and C
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (May – November) for women and children over 1 year old through the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
• Referrals to health care and other services during critical times of growth and development, to prevent the occurrence of health problems and to improve the health status

WIC Income Guidelines