What is DC WIC?
DC WIC wants to see your family happy, healthy, and thriving. In addition to food assistance, we also provide nutrition education, breastfeeding counseling, and the support you need to keep your family healthy.
What is WIC?
Here you’ll find
- information on the DC WIC program
- eligibility
- the foods available in the package
- WIC approved stores
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children provides nutrition, supplemental food packages, breastfeeding support, referrals to healthcare and social services for
- income- eligible people who are pregnant or postpartum
- infants and children up to age 5
- parents who experienced a pregnancy or neonatal loss (may be eligible up to 6 months after their loss)
- Dads, grandparents, foster parents or any caregivers
- of a child under 5 years of age
What Does the WIC Program Do?
WIC agencies provide
- nutrition screening and education
- free access to licensed nutritionists and dieticians
- breastfeeding support, lactation counselors, peer counselors, breast pumps
- supplemental foods
- referrals to healthcare and social services
Who is eligible for WIC?
The patient or family member IS: a caregiver or a parent with a child under 5
- Pregnant persons
- Moms
- Dads
- Foster parents
- Legal Guardians
- Grandparents
- Step-parents
AND
The patient or family member receives these:
- SNAP
- DC Medicaid**
- Child is in foster care
- Qualifies for reduced-price school meals
- Less than 185% of the federal poverty limit (FPL)
**may meet income eligibility requirements
AND
The patient resides:
- In the state where they are applying for WIC
- legal residency or United States citizenship are not requirements for participation
DC WIC Income Guidelines
<185% of the federal poverty (FPL) limit – Same FPL as SNAP, National School Lunch Program, some parts of Medicaid. Changes annually based on federal poverty limit guidelines
Here is a table of DC WIC income guidelines. This is a resource that can help you check income requirements with your families. It can be printed out and shared.
DC WIC PreScreening Tool
This quick tool can be used to help you or your patient’s family determine if they’re eligible.
- takes 1-2 minutes
- can be used in the waiting room before, shortly after, or at the completion of the clinic visit.
Documentation Needed for a WIC Appointment
Documentation Needed for WIC appointment This includes a list of documents a family will need for enrollment into the WIC program
-
- can be used to inform families of what documents they will need for their WIC intake
- adjunctive eligibility
- pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and children under age five who receive SNAP or Medicaid can qualify
- only need documentation of receipt of these benefits for income eligibility.
Eligibility Appointment Printable PDF
What to bring to your WIC appointment for eligibility.
Proof of Income
This can also include a proof of receiving benefits
Bring in at least one:
- Recent (last 30 days) paycheck stubs or copies of paychecks (at least one month (30 days))
- Recent Income Tax Return
- Social Security or SSIUnemployment benefit checks
- Proof of Child Support or Alimony (Court Letter or statement from parent. If
- self-reported, you may be asked to provide additional proof
- Signed statement by employer
- Signed statement of no income (with explanation)
- Business Account Statements (if you are self-employed)
Proof of Identity
Includes a driver’s license or picture ID
Bring in one:
- Photo Identification (Driver’s License or Passport)
- Work/School ID Card
- Social Security Card
- Voter Registration
- Woman’s Birth Certificate
- Tribal ID Card
- Military ID
- Hospital ID Bracelet
- Medical Records
- State issued ID
Proof of Current Benefits Enrollment
-
This also counts as proof of income
-
Includes an app snapshot of the monthly benefit received
- Bring in all that apply
-
- App snapshot of the monthly benefit amount received (also counts as proof of income)
- Notice of Program Eligibility
Child Proof of Identity
Includes the hospital ID bracelet, hospital newborn footprints, or hospital discharge papers.
Bring in all that apply (one per family member, i.e. record for each child or infant needing WIC resources)
- Crib sheet with footprints
- Hospital ID Bracelet
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Immunization Records
- Medical Records
- Letter of proof of guardianship
What Foods Does WIC Provide?
Food Packages
WIC provides food packages that supplement the dietary needs to support good health and development of
- infants
- children up to age 5
- pregnant persons
- breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers
Packages include
-
- Approved foods from the USDA, that are updated continuously based on the latest nutrition science
- Tailored packages based on the needs of the parent, or infant or child
- Revisions in 2024 included
- more fruits and vegetables
- strengthening of breastfeeding support
- more accommodations for special dietary needs and cultural food preferences
- Can include special formulas and supplemental drinks (Pediasure, Boost) – LIST PDF
- Can include special formulas and supplemental drinks (pediasure, Boost) with a medical prescription
-
Click here for a link to the medical prescription form
Click here for a more detailed description of food package contents
Food packages typically include iron-fortified cereal, milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, peanut butter, beans, fruit, vegetables and juice based on the nutritional needs of the eligible person
WIC food packages offer
- Breakfast cereal (hot or cold
- Canned fish: tuna, mackerel, sardines, salmon
- Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt, tofu
- 100% juice: bottled, frozen concentrate
- Legumes: beans, lentils and peanut butter
- Whole grains: bread, tortillas, pasta, rice, oats, barley
- Fruits and vegetables, fresh, frozen, canned, dried
- Infant formula
- Infant food fruits, vegetables and cereals
Click on the link for a list of foods covered by DC WIC: