WIC is Here For You During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, WIC is continuing to provide benefits via telephone for qualified women, infants and children. Appointments for new and existing participants are available at all WIC clinics. Call 509.324.1620 for information.
Federal stimulus checks for COVID-19 are not counted as income to determine qualification for WIC participation.
It is now easier than ever to use WIC.
- Benefits are loaded onto a WIC card for shopping at any participating WIC store. All benefits for the entire family are loaded on the card.
- The WICShopper app provides a variety of information to enhance your WIC experience. Track food benefits in real time, find new recipes, verify allowable foods and try new ideas for using WIC foods. You can download it for free from your app store.
- WIC has expanded the foods available for families. String cheese, fruit flavored yogurts and more cereals are among the many new foods added. Check the Washington WICShopper App for a complete update.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC is a supplemental food program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, infants and children. WIC provides services that help our diverse communities address their health needs during and after pregnancy and in early childhood including:
- Health screening
- Nutrition and health education
- Breastfeeding promotion and support
- Help getting other services
- Monthly benefits for nutritious food
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and operated by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
Spokane family currently participating in the Spokane WIC program
“Almost half of all babies in Washington state are on WIC. ”
WIC is a place where families get healthy food and a lot more. WIC is for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under 5. WIC made a difference for over 255,000 women, infants and children in Washington in 2018.
Qualifications to be Eligible for WIC
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following criteria:
- You live in Washington state, and;
- Have a medical or nutrition need, and;
- You are pregnant, a new mother, or have a child under age five
- Foster children under age five
- Foster teens who are pregnant
- Meet the income guidelines:
- Eligibility 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. 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. A foster child is counted as a family of one.
- 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 or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) you are income eligible for WIC.
2020-2021 WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines
Effective APRIL 19, 2021
Table of WIC Eligibility by Gross Income and Household Size
Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly | Bi-Weekly | Twice Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1 year income) | (1 month income) | (1 week income) | (2 weeks' income) | (paid twice a month) | |
| 1 | $23,828 | $1,986 | $ 459 | $ 917 | $ 993 |
| 2 | $32,227 | $2,686 | $ 620 | $1,240 | $1,343 |
| 3 | $40,626 | $3,386 | $ 782 | $1,563 | $1,693 |
| 4 | $49,025 | $4,086 | $ 943 | $1,886 | $2,043 |
| 5 | $57,424 | $4,786 | $1,105 | $2,209 | $2,393 |
| 6 | $65,823 | $5,486 | $1,266 | $2,532 | $2,743 |
| 7 | $74,222 | $6,186 | $1,428 | $2,855 | $3,093 |
| 8 | $82,621 | $6,886 | $1,589 | $3,178 | $3,443 |
| For each additional household member, add: | |||||
| $ 8,399 | $ 700 | $ 162 | $ 324 | $ 350 | |
What WIC Foods are Provided?
Benefits include foods that are high in protein, calcium, iron, or Vitamins A and C such as:
- Baby food
- Milk
- Peanut butter
- 100% fruit juice with vitamin C
- Cheeses
- Dried beans, peas and lentils
- Cereals fortified with iron
- Eggs
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Infant cereal
- Whole grain foods
- Canned fish (for pregnant and breastfeeding women)
- Iron-fortified baby formula (for babies who are not breastfed)
Shopping with your WIC card
All benefits for your family will be on one card. Buy only the foods that you need each time you shop. Many local grocery stores accept WIC cards.
WICShopper App
Download the app to your smart phone from your app store. The app syncs with your WIC card so you can see your benefits in real time. Scan foods to see if they are allowed on WIC, find recipes and cooking tips.
How to Access WIC Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Call to schedule an appointment at any of the five WIC sites at the Spokane Regional Health District.
| Deer Park United Methodist Church 113 E.Second Street Phone: 509.276.3770 Fax: 509.324.1453 Hours: Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. | East Central Community Center 500 S. Stone Street Phone: 509.323.2830 Fax: 509.535.8067 Hours: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. |
| Northeast Community Center 4001 N Cook Street Phone: 509.323.2828 Fax: 509.444.8901 Hours: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. | North Lidgerwood North Spokane Professional Building, #2245901 N Lidgerwood Street Phone: 509.323.2818 Fax: 509.489.9147 Hours: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. |
| Valley Broad Center, 2nd floor 12213 E Broadway Phone: 509.323.2800 Fax: 509.323.2859 Hours: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. |
Non-Discrimination Statement
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, sec, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800.795.3272 (voice) or 202.720.6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Washington WIC does not discriminate.
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