Can anyone tell me exactly how WIC works?

Question

I think I get the general gist of the program. Everyone keeps saying they send you vouchers. Are they vouchers you take to the store and pay with them there? Others say they send you a check, how does that work?

Answer 1

The voucher/check that people keep mentioning are the same thing. Its a voucher that is used like a check. The voucher/check has exactly what you are aloud to buy with it printed on it, so you can only purchase what is printed on the voucher/check.
You take it to the store, and use it to purchase what is on the list. It cannot be cashed for chash.
1. Call to set up an appointment
2. Go to apt. to qualify- you fill out paperwork and answer questions.
3. Follow instructions they give you- you will need to be weighed (if pregnant) and have children weighed (if already born). They also check for iron levels. They do this because the program is designed to help keep you healthy.
4. They print out voucher checks, specifying the food items that you qualify for. They will give you a pamphlet and instructions on how and where to use the WIC checks.
5. Go to the store, pick up the items on the list, specified by weight/size/brand
6. Pay for the items using the check, and make sure you bring your WIC folder and be sure to sign it.
7. Continue to attend apt. and provide WIC with the information that you request

-WIC provides lowfat milk for pregnant and breast feeding mothers, and up to 6 months post-partum (including miscarriages/abortions). WIC also provides juice, cereal, eggs, cheese, carrots and canned tuna to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
-WIC provides formula for babies up to one year, if not breast feeding. When the baby is old enough, WIC provides cereal (rice cereal at first), juice, eggs, cheese, and whole milk (when child reaches one year old) until the child is five years of age.

-WIC also provides farmers market vouchers.
-WIC helps you become educated about taking care of your body and feeding your children.
-WIC can help you learn how to breastfeed.

-WIC can be issued to mothers, and fathers, or any guardian of children under 5 years of age, who qualify

Answer 2

WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. You qualify for WIC if you are a teen or you meet the income criteria (which is usually low income). The government gives you vouchers and with these vouchers you get necessary nutrients for you and your baby. If you have a baby and you are not nursing, they give you formula for the baby and cereal. If your child is over a year, they give you stuff like juice, whole milk, beans, peanut butter, cheese, and eggs. This is good up to the child's 5th year if you still meet the income requirements.

Answer 3

WIC is designed for low-income families. You can receive WIC during pregnancy,and once the baby is born you will continue to receive WIC for 6 months, unless you are breastfeeding, and your baby will receive WIC until age 5. Milk,juice,cheese eggs cereal and formula are printed on the vouchers.. WIC is an excellent program because formula is very expensive. 16 cans of formulas costs around $70.00.The children get recertified once a year until age 5. Plus they give you nutritional education, check baby's weight, height iron level.

Answer 4

It's a pretty cool program and a lot easier to get than food stamps. In a nutshell, if you qualify they will give you vouchers for different foods, at different stages such as pregnancy, early infancy and toddlerhood.

vouchers can include items like milk, juice, eggs, cheese, breakfast cereal, carrots, and baby formula.

For a parent with a tight budget, getting high quality nutritious foods free can really help.

They will encourage you to breastfeed as that is usually best for baby, but at least you know that if that doesn't work out, you will not have to worry about paying for formula which can be very expensive.

Answer 5

WIC - (Women,Infants, and Children)
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It is administered in Illinois by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Even if you or your family members are working, it can be hard making ends meet. The WIC Program may be able to help with the right food and advice on nutrition, health care and immunizations.

WIC enables parents to feed their children properly during critical periods of growth and development. The combination of nutrition education, nutritious foods and access to other health services strengthens families long after their WIC eligibility has ended.

Answer 6

I went to meet a social worker to determine whether I am eligible for WIC program. They'll look at your income, and everything else. You need to bring your proof of income and your utility bills and an ID.
Then you'll go to WIC, you have to come to classes - such as nutrition classes and breastfeeding classes. After the classes, they'll give you check to spend on milk, eggs, juice, etc. You can use the check to buy groceries.

Answer 7

if you are pregnant, or have a child under the age of 5 you can apply for wic. you get things like cereal, milk, cheese....etc. if you have a baby, they give you formula. wich can be very helpful. it comes in a check form, and you get a few for each month. the only guidlines are your income. wich is actually a good one, you can make more money than you think to qualify. you just need to walk in bring your id, and you proof of income. and if you are pregnant, you need to bring a proof of pregnancy with you. you can get that from a doctor, or a clinic. it is very easy to sign up, and a great program.

Answer 8

wic is for
women
infants
children
wic gives children up to age 5 and pregnant females milk cheese cereals eggs beans peanut butter and stuff to help out babys from age 0to 4 monthsa get only formula babys from 4 months to 9 months get formula and infant cerals babys from 9 months get the formula the baby cereal and baby juices
if you get medicade or and food stamps you will have no problem if not you must have proof of income utility bills and an ID.
to get on wic

Answer 9

I don't participate, but I understand it's the Women, Infants and Children program. It's sponsored by the government (on what level, I'm not sure. I would guess state.) and they send you "coupons" every month that allow you to buy staple items for your children and you such as milk, formula, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, etc. When you pay for your groceries, you give the cashier your coupon and it's free for you. Hard working taxpayers such as myself end up footing the bill for this program. :)

Answer 10

WIC is a program for if you have a child and you don't have money. You can sign up for it at your local store. So you can food when you don't have money.