What is WIC?
WIC, which stands for Women, Infants, and Children, provides food to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children until the age of five.
The WIC Program promotes healthy habits and healthy families.
- Breastfeed your baby
- Eat more fiber
- Lower the fat
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Eat more whole grains
- Drink less juice and sweetened beverages
- Make family meals matter
To help participants practice these habits, WIC provides basic nutritious foods to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children. These foods are rich in protein, iron, calcium, fiber and vitamins. Participants exchange WIC food vouchers at authorized retail grocery stores and pharmacies.
The NC eWIC Debit Card
Buy only the foods you need when you shop. See your benefits balance and approved products on your smartphone. Learn more about NC eWIC.
Other Services WIC Provides
Nutrition education is an important part of WIC and is available to all adult WIC participants, and whenever possible, to child participants and to other family members. Information is provided about:
- infant feeding
- special diets
- nutrition for healthy pregnancy
- food buying
- child growth and development
- breastfeeding education and support
What happens at a WIC visit?
- Your height, weight, and a blood test for low iron will be done if needed.
- A nutritionist will ask you about your health and your diet.
- A nutritionist will review your information to see if you are eligible for WIC. If eligible, you will be given a debit card to take to the store to get your food.
- You can discuss nutrition problems or questions.
Please bring your child's immunization (shot) record to all appointments.
