WIC Wisconsin program provides nutritional support services to low- and middle-class households for pregnant women, infants and children. Participants receive vouchers for foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, bread and juice from the program as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Newborn infants who are not breastfed can receive formula, jarred baby food, baby cereal and bananas. The vouchers can be redeemed with most Wisconsin grocers and at some farmer's markets.

The purpose of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is to promote and maintain the health and well-being of nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children. The Wisconsin WIC program provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition and breastfeeding information, and referral to other health and nutrition services. WIC promotes and supports breastfeeding. The Wisconsin WIC program is administered by the Department of Health and Family Services.

It's a requirement that WIC agencies support breastfeeding as the main method of feeding and nurturing newborns. Breast milk contains the nutrients that infants need to grow and develop. Breastfed infants tend to be healthier since they receive antibodies from the breast milk which protects them against childhood infections. WIC goes a step further by supplying extra food to mothers who exclusively breastfeed their newborns.

In addition to the food packages available to program participants, the Wisconsin WIC program provides nutrition and basic health screenings, referrals for other county services, and healthy cooking tips. The WIC program has contributed to lower premature births, decreased infant mortality rates and reduced costs for child health care.

The Wisconsin WIC program promotes breastfeeding support for all participating mothers of infant children. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that breast milk is the optimal source of newborn nutrition from birth to six months old. The Wisconsin WIC program provides the same foods to breast feeding moms as provided in the pregnancy package. This ensures mothers are receiving the nutrients necessary to produce quality breast milk.

Eligibility Requirements

Infants and children up to age five are eligible to receive the food benefits provided by the WIC Wisconsin program. Additionally, pregnant and breast feeding women can receive food packages. The focus of the program is to eliminate inadequate nutrition in children's diets

Income Guidelines

Vouchers for food under the Wisconsin WIC program are available for families who meet income guidelines. As of 2010, the program monthly income maximums range from $1,670 for a family of one to $5,706 for a family of eight. The Wisconsin WIC program has higher income allowances than other food programs, so those who are ineligible for food stamps (FoodShare) may still be eligible for WIC services.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts.

Household Size	Gross Annual Income
1	$20,665
2	$27,991
3	$35,317
4	$42,643
5	$49,969
6	$57,295
7	$64,621
8	$71,947

For households with more than eight people, add $7,326 per additional person.

Click here for for more details about income guidelines.

WIC Application Instructions

In Wisconsin, you cannot apply for WIC benefits online. To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you. Click here to find a clinic near you where you can begin the application process.

For more information on Wisconsin WIC, visit the official website by clicking here.

You can also write to:

Office of Nutrition Services
West Virginia WIC Program
350 Capitol Street, Room 519
Charleston, WV 25301-3715

To find out more about WIC and other programs for which you may be eligible, call 1-800-722-2295 toll-free, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Tele Typewriter (TTY) and interpreter services are available.