State of Washington WIC is for women, infants and children, provided they are on nutrition risk and cannot afford to buy nutritious food because of low family income. The program provides various benefits that include referral to other services, nutrition education, and healthy food supplies. The participants receive checks and vouchers that can be used to buy food. They also receive classes and one-on-one counseling to understand nutrition and its link with mental and physical growth. The program provides these benefits at a critical time for women and children to ensure that they grow into strong and healthy individuals through supply of nutrition food.

The program doesn't only provide nutrient-rich foods but also provides support for women and children. It promotes breastfeeding through one-on-one counseling and supply of equipment. Breastfeeding women also receive additional supplies of nutrient-rich foods so that they can stay strong and feed their babies without disturbing nutrient level in their blood. The program provides broachers and other informative material for breastfeeding women.

The program provides referral for many other services, helping WIC participants to receive medical and dental care, community meals, TANF, drug abuse counseling, and helping them to find other programs for which they may be eligible.

State of Washington WIC participants receive checks to buy food from designated stores. They can buy milk, cheese, meat, poultry, eggs, whole grain, peanut butter, juice, vegetable, fruits, and infant food such as cereals and formula. WIC also provides checks for buying foods at Farmer's Market through Farmer's Market Nutrition Program. These markets are available in summer and provide fresh fruits and vegetables.

State of Washington WIC also helps participants with nutritious education so that they can use foods in a way that it improves their family health. The program will help participants understand connection between nutrients and growth, both physical and mental. Breastfeeding mothers will also receive support and equipment so that they can continue breastfeeding for as long as their children need it. The program also helps participants remain active in life by choosing better lifestyle options.

Those looking to receive WIC benefits will have to be on nutrition risk, which has to be determined by a qualified health professional. The applicants will also have to meet income guidelines before they could receive WIC benefits. To apply for program, applicants will have to get an appointment and then go through an eligibility screening process.

Eligibility Requirements

State of Washington WIC is only available to certain low-income individuals and families. The program addresses:

• Women (pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding)
• Infants up to the age of 1 year
• Children up the age of 5 years

Those falling within these categories will additionally need to meet the following two requirements:

• Have to be a resident of State of Washington
• Have to meet income guidelines

Income guidelines

Those looking to receive WIC benefits in State of Washington will have to have their monthly income within the following limits.

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit
1	$1,732
2	$2,333
3	$2,944
4	$3,554
5	$4,165
6	$4,775
7	$5,386
8	$5,996
9	$6,606
10	$7,216

If your household has more members, then add $610 in monthly income limit for each additional person in the household.

WIC Application Instructions

In order to apply for WIC in state of Washington, you will have to schedule an appointment with your nearest WIC clinic. You can find contact information about WIC clinic in your area using this link: www.resources.parenthelp123.org/service/wic-nutrition-program-for-women-infants-children.

If you need help to locate a clinic near you, call at 1-800-322-2588 to get the information.

Information about your interview:

After you schedule an appointment, you will have to attend the interview. Don't forget to take your child with you if you have applied for him or her since WIC staff will need to screen them for health risk.

You will also have to take certain documents with you when visiting WIC clinic for scheduled appointment. You can ask WIC staff at the time of fixing appointment about specific documents that you need to take. Generally, you will have to take documents to show:

• Proof of identification: Take documents necessary to prove your identification. You can use a valid driver's license, social security card, medical card, birth certificate, immunization record, or military ID to prove your identification. For infants, you will have to bring ID bracelet or hospital crib card to verify their identity.
  
• Proof of residence: You current utility bill, medical card, driver's license, and rental or mortgage deed/receipt all can be used to establish your residence. When going to the interview, take any one of them with you.
  
• Proof of income: To prove that you're eligible for WIC program, you will have to take your proof of income with you when going for the interview. Paychecks, gross income letter from employer, and letter of unemployment are some of the documents that can be used for proving your income. To know what exact documents to take, contact your local WIC office.