WIC FAQs
Below you will find many Frequently Asked Questions about the WIC program. For additional questions contact your WIC Clinic or Ask a Dietitian.
- What is WIC?
- Where is WIC available?
- Who can apply for WIC services?
- How many people does WIC serve?
- What foods does WIC provide?
- Who do I call for an appointment?
- What can WIC do for me?
- Does WIC help with breastfeeding?
- How long can I receive WIC services?
- What is a certification?
- What do I need to bring to my WIC appointment?
- What does WIC expect from you?
- What is a WIC voucher?
- Which stores accept WIC vouchers?
- How do I use my WIC vouchers in the store?
- Which foods are WIC approved?
- Is there a waiting list for the WIC program?
- I’m moving. Is there a WIC clinic where I am going?
- How do I transfer to another clinic?
- I am a foster parent. Can we receive WIC services?
- I currently have no income. Can I apply for WIC services?
- I do not have proof of income. Can I still apply for WIC services?
- I do not have proof of identification. Can I still apply for WIC services?
- I do not have proof of residence. Can I still apply for WIC services?
- Does WIC help with formula? (if are not able or choose not to breastfeed)
- Why does Utah County WIC provide mostly Similac formulas?
- When do I need a Formula and Food Authorization Form?
- What needs to be included on a Formula and Food Authorization Form for formula or other supplement?
- Where can I find WIC's Policies and Procedures?
What is WIC?
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program was created as a pilot program in 1972. The program became permanent in 1975. It was created because of concern about malnutrition among low-income mothers and children. WIC has had a lot of growth since the beginning. It now serves more people in the United States than ever.
WIC provides supplemental nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, and referrals to other agencies. WIC is not an entitlement program. It is for low-income pregnant, post-partum, or breastfeeding women and their children, up to age five. The program provides short term help to participants. WIC works with other health programs to better help participants. WIC’s help is important during critical times of growth and development. It works to decrease the risk of poor birth outcomes and to improve health.
Where is WIC Available?
WIC is available in all 50 states of the United States of America, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, America Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Commonwealth Islands of the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Who Can Apply for WIC Services?
Individuals who want to apply for WIC services must be in one of the following three categories:
Women |
Pregnant women | Are eligible for WIC services during pregnancy and for up to six weeks after baby’s birth. |
| Women who are breastfeeding an infant | Are eligible for WIC services until baby turns one year old if they breastfeed exclusively or partially during that year. | |
| Women who have had a baby within the past six months | Are eligible for WIC services until This category includes:
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| Woman who have had a miscarriage | Are eligible for WIC services until 6 months after the miscarriage. | |
Infants |
Birth to age one | Are eligible for WIC services from birth to age one. |
Children |
Age one to fifth birthday | Are eligible for WIC services from age one until the fifth birthday. |
If a person is not in one of these categories he or she is not eligible for WIC services.
How Many People Does WIC Serve?
Year |
Number of WIC participants |
1980 |
1.9 million |
1990 |
4.5 million |
2004 |
approximately 7.9 million |
2006 |
WIC served 8 million people nationwide: Two millions women, 2 million infants, and 4 million children. |
Utah alone has served almost 70,000 people with increasing numbers over the past few years.
What Foods Does WIC Provide?
Utah County WIC provides food vouchers each month that are redeemed in local grocery stores to buy nutritious foods. WIC approved foods include:
- Cheese
- Dried beans or peas
- Eggs
- Iron-fortified cereal
- Milk
- Peanut butter
- 100% juice
- Iron-fortified infant formula
- Carrots, for exclusively breastfeeding mothers
- Tuna, for exclusively breastfeeding mothers
Different food packages are issued to different clients to help meet their needs. You may receive different foods depending on if you are breastfeeding or not. A woman, infant, and child will each receive different food packages. A WIC nutritionist will determine which food package you will receive.
Who Do I Call For an Appointment?
To apply for WIC services make an appointment at the WIC office nearest you.
WIC is available in all 50 states of the United States of America, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, America Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Commonwealth Islands of the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Utah County has 4 operating clinics.
- American Fork, also known as North County
- Orem
- Payson, also known as South County
- Provo
To find a clinic in Utah County
To find a clinic in all areas of Utah:
http://health.utah.gov/wic/pdf/General/clinic_locations_2006.pdf
To find a clinic in all areas where WIC is available:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/statealpha.HTM
What Can WIC Do for Me?
WIC saves lives and improves the health of millions of women, infants, and children every year. WIC does make a difference! Studies from Food Nutrition Services (FNS) and other non-government groups prove this. It is one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs.
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health and social services. When participants receive these benefits they often see improvements in health. Studies show improved outcomes and practices in WIC participants of the following:
- Birth outcomes and savings in health care costs
- Diet and diet-related outcomes
- Immunization rates
- Infant feeding practices
- Nutrition Status before Pregnancy
- Regular source of medical care
Does WIC help with Breastfeeding?
WIC definitely supports breastfeeding! WIC clients can receive breastfeeding help and support from WIC. All WIC staff members at each clinic are dedicated to helping women breastfeed. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are also ready to help. WIC helps clients learn:
- Why breastfeeding is the best start for baby
- How to latch baby on correctly
- How to correct breastfeeding problems
- How to increase breast milk supply
- How to breastfeed while working
- How to pump and store breast milk
- A father’s role in supporting breastfeeding
- …and much more.
Breastfeeding women can also receive breastfeeding aids to own or borrow free of charge, if they are eligible. WIC employees trained in breastfeeding can determine eligibility for:
- Electric breast pumps
- Hand breast pumps
- Pedal breast pumps
- Different sized breast pump flanges
- Breast shells
- Supplemental Nursing Systems (SNS)
- Baby cup feeders
For Utah County WIC clients call the Breastfeeding Warmline 801-851-7312 for questions and help with breastfeeding.
How Long Can I Receive WIC Services?
WIC is a short-term program. Individuals who meet the requirements can certify to receive WIC services from 6 months to a year depending on their category. If a participant wants to continue to receive WIC services after their certification period they must certify again.
What is a Certification?
A certification is the qualification process for the WIC program. If a person qualifies they are eligible to receive WIC benefits from 6 months to a year.
A certification is done at the first appointment. A person must meet the following qualifications:
- Category
- Income
- Nutrition Risk
- Residence
A WIC employee may check an applicant’s weight, height, head circumference, and hemoglobin. A nutritionist will review the measurements, discuss nutrition topics, and determine a nutrition risk.
Applicants must be present at the certification appointment. In rare situations of serious illness or hospitalization an applicant may not have to attend the appointment. Contact your WIC Clinic for questions.
When the certification period ends a person will no longer be eligible for WIC services. They must complete another certification to continue to be eligible. They can continue to receive WIC services as long as they meet the WIC qualifications.
What Do I need to Bring to My WIC Appointment?
You will need to bring the following to your WIC certification appointment:
The individual who is applying for WIC services also must attend the appointment. In rare situations of serious illness or hospitalization an applicant may not have to attend the appointment.
If you have an education or class appointment you only need to attend and bring your WIC Identification packet.
If you have a follow-up appointment the person who requires the follow-up must attend. You must also bring your WIC Identification packet.
Contact your WIC Clinic today for questions or to make an appointment.
What Does WIC Expect From You?
In order to participate in the WIC program, you must agree to the following conditions:
- Keep all WIC appointments. If you miss two months in a row during a certification period without calling the clinic, you may be taken off the program.
- Live in the area being served by the local agency.
- Report any change in income, number in family, address, phone number or breastfeeding status.
- Buy only the foods listed on the food list. Buy foods in the amounts listed on the voucher. Buy only the foods printed on the voucher.
- Tell the clinic if the voucher is lost or stolen. Vouchers that have been reported lost or stolen may not be used. Once you report missing the voucher, it will take at least one week for the voucher to be replaced.
- Cash the vouchers within the first day to use and the last day to use. Never cash vouchers before the first day to use or after the last day to use.
- Treat clinic staff and store employees with respect by not being verbally or physically abusive.
- To not change any item on the voucher, receive change for a WIC voucher, pay cash when buying WIC foods or return foods for cash or credit for any other foods.
- Remember the foods listed on the WIC voucher should be used by the WIC participant.
- Not sell or trade any WIC vouchers or WIC foods.
- Give correct information to get on the WIC program or to continue to receive vouchers (such as income or health information).
- Get vouchers from only one clinic at a time.
What is a WIC Voucher?
A WIC voucher is like a check. WIC vouchers can be used in many supermarkets. The Utah WIC system uses vouchers to be redeemed in authorized stores for WIC approved foods.
Which Stores Accept WIC Vouchers?
WIC vouchers can be used in many supermarkets. Click here for the most recent list of authorized stores in Utah County that accept WIC vouchers.
How Do I Use My WIC Vouchers in the Store?
A WIC vouchers can ONLY be used during authorized dates. The voucher will have a printed “First Day to Use” and “Last Day to Use” dates. The voucher cannot be used before the “First Day to Use”. It also cannot be used after the “Last Day to Use”.
The WIC vouchers can be redeemed ONLY for WIC approved foods. Only the foods and quantities printed on the WIC voucher can be purchased with your WIC voucher. If you choose to not redeem the voucher for all of the foods listed on the voucher you cannot get a rain check for the remaining foods.
Each participant that qualifies for WIC services will receive a WIC Identification packet. This must be taken to the store each time WIC vouchers are redeemed.
A WIC client will need to sign the WIC voucher on the authorized signature line at the store in front of the cashier. The client must sign AFTER the cashier has placed the total amount of the voucher in the “Pay Exactly” box. The signature on the WIC voucher MUST MATCH the signature on the WIC Identification packet. If the signatures do not match the store will not redeem the voucher.
Which Foods are WIC Approved?
Always use your WIC Food Card when selecting your foods. Only foods listed on the WIC Food Card are authorized. For example, you can redeem your check for certain types of cereal listed on the WIC Food Card. If a certain cereal, such as a sweetened cereal, is not on the WIC Food Card you cannot get that cereal. Your WIC voucher will list which foods you are allowed and the quantity. Be careful to note if it is required to get the “least expensive brand” of a certain WIC approved food.
Contact your WIC Clinic if you have questions or have problems with redeeming your WIC vouchers.
Is There a Waiting List for the WIC Program?
Utah County WIC almost always is able to serve all who qualify for WIC services.
Occasionally WIC agencies do not have enough money to serve everyone who applies for WIC services. When this happens, WIC agencies must keep a list, called a waiting list, of individuals who want to apply and to be served. WIC agencies then use a special system, called a Priority System, to determine who will get WIC benefits. Applicants or participants determined to be at higher priority will receive WIC services first. Those who are a lower priority will receive WIC services after those who are higher priority. If, for any reason, a Priority System is required at Utah County WIC, participants will be notified.
I’m Moving. Is There a WIC Clinic Where I am Going?
WIC is available in all 50 states, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, America Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Commonwealth Islands of the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
To apply for WIC services or to transfer your certification you will need to make an appointment at the WIC Clinic office nearest you.
To find a clinic in Utah County
To find a clinic in all areas of Utah:
http://health.utah.gov/wic/pdf/General/clinic_locations_2006.pdf
To find a clinic in all areas where WIC is available:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/statealpha.HTM
How Do I Transfer to Another Clinic?
If you want to transfer to another clinic and continue to receive WIC services you will need to transfer your certification. Tell a WIC employee from the clinic where you certified that you need a copy of your Verification of Certification (VOC).
At your new clinic you will need to have:
- A copy of your VOC
- Prescription for special formula or supplement, if needed
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residence
You can transfer your certification to a new clinic as long as your certification has not expired. If your certification has ended you do not need to a VOC. You can just make an appointment to certify at your new clinic.
I Am a Foster Parent. Can We Receive WIC Services?
A foster child who remains the legal responsibility of welfare or other agency can apply for WIC services. Payments made by the welfare agency for the care of that foster child are considered to be income of that child. The foster child will have to meet qualifications for income, residence, identity, and nutrition risk.
If the foster family desires to apply for WIC services for themselves they will do so separately. They will also have to meet the WIC qualifications of income, residence, identity, and nutrition risk.
I Currently Have No Income. Can I Apply for WIC Services?
All applicants must provide acceptable proof of income. If you have no income you will be able to fill out a document stating you have no income. However, within one month you must show proof of income. A WIC employee will tell you the acceptable ways to prove your income. You may also receive a document listing acceptable ways to prove your income.
If you do not have income and have questions, contact your WIC Clinic. A WIC employee will be able to tell you what to do so you can still apply for WIC services.
I Do Not Have Proof of Income. Can I Still Apply for WIC Services?
All applicants must provide acceptable proof of income. When you call for an appointment you will be told what the acceptable ways to prove your income. You may also receive a document listing acceptable ways to prove your income.
If you do not have proof of income, contact your WIC Clinic. A WIC employee will be able to tell you what to do so you can still apply for WIC services.
I Do Not Have Proof of Identification. Can I Still Apply for WIC Services?
All applicants must provide acceptable proof of identification. When you call for an appointment you will be told what the acceptable ways to prove your identity. You may also receive a document listing acceptable ways to prove your identity.
If you do not have proof of identity, contact your WIC Clinic. A WIC employee will be able to tell you what to do so you can still apply for WIC services.
I Do Not Have Proof of Residence. Can I Still Apply for WIC Services?
All applicants must provide acceptable proof of residence. When you call for an appointment you will be told what the acceptable ways to prove your residence. It cannot be a P.O. Box. You may also receive a document listing acceptable ways to prove your residence.
If you do not have proof of residence or are homeless, contact your WIC Clinic. A WIC employee will be able to tell you what to do so you can still apply for WIC services.
Does WIC Help With Formula?
Yes. WIC helps those who are not able to, or choose not to breastfeed, with iron-fortified infant formulas. Remember, WIC is only a supplemental program. It will not provide all of the formula an infant will need. Additional formula will most likely need to be purchased as well to meet the infant’s needs.
Why Does Utah County WIC Provide Mostly Similac Formulas?
Beginning October 1, 2007 Utah County WIC clinics will provide only certain Similac formulas, except in a case of certain medical conditions. Utah WIC does not allow low-iron formulas unless a child has hemolytic anemia.
The reason for providing one brand name is due to contracting and rebates. This allows WIC to better stay within budget and help more people. There are many different formulas that are approved to be safe for infants.
The following formulas are under current Utah WIC contract and do not require a Formula and Food Authorization Form if baby is under 1 year of age:
- Similac Advance
- Similac Sensitive
- Similac Sensitive R.S.
- Similac Go & Grow (for infants 9-12 months of age)
- Isomil Advance Soy
- Similac Go & Grow Soy (for infants 9-12 months of age)
In situations where another formula is needed a Formula and Food Authorization Form is required. If a child over the age of one needs to continue on formula or a supplement, a Formula and Food Authorization Form is required.
When Do I Need a Formula and Food Authorization Form?
You will need a Formula and Food Authorization Form from your doctor or other qualified medical professional for any formulas or supplements except the following:
- Similac Advance
- Similac Sensitive
- Similac Sensitive R.S.
- Similac Go & Grow (for infants 9-12 months of age)
- Isomil Advance Soy
- Similac Go & Grow Soy (for infants 9-12 months of age)
If a child over the age of one needs to continue on formula or a supplement, a Formula and Food Authorization Form is required.
What Needs to be Included on a Formula and Food Authorization Form for Formula or Other Supplement?
Utah WIC requires a Formula and Food Authorization Form from a doctor or other qualified medical professional if a non-contract formula or supplement is needed. If a child over the age of one needs to continue on formula or a supplement, a Formula and Food Authorization Form is required. The Formula and Food Authorization Form is required to have the following information:
- Date Formula and Food Authorization Form was written
- Name of individual needing non-contract formula or supplement
- A diagnosis, or reason why non-contract formula or supplement is needed (ICD-10 Code required)
- Length of time the non-contract formula or supplement will be needed. TheFormula and Food Authorization Form can be written for up to 6 months before a newFormula and Food Authorization Form is required.
- Quantity of non-contract formula or supplement needed
- Signature of doctor or other qualified medical professional
Where Can I Find WIC's Policies and Procedures?
The Utah WIC program posts the Utah WIC Policies and Procedures on their website. You can search this document at any time to learn more about how the program works.
