Welcome to WIC!
Apply for WIC
Minnesota WIC Online Application
About WIC
- WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps young families eat well and be healthy.
- WIC can help:
- Pregnant women learn about nutritious foods for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
- Support breastfeeding and help new moms meet their breastfeeding goals.
- Families provide nutritious foods to their young children so they are healthy, happy and ready to learn.
- WIC provides:
- Information that you are interested in about nutrition during pregnancy, and about feeding your baby and young children.
- A variety of healthy foods, including fruits & vegetables, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, whole grains, cereal, peanut butter/dry beans, and more!
- Information and referrals to other health and social services.
- General parenting support.
- What do WIC participants say about the WIC Program?
- WIC Success Stories - real stories from Minnesota WIC participants. Share your WIC success story!
- "My family is eating so much healthier since we've been on WIC - more fruits and vegetables, healthier cereals and more string cheese."
- "WIC not only gives you food, but also nutrition information to make better choices."
- "There is such great variety in the WIC foods - I love it!"
- "I love getting information on how my child is growing and seeing the growth chart. It is also nice to hear when you are doing something right."
- "I like that WIC refers you to other things. They gave me a list of parks and other places where I can bring my kids."
- WIC is for:
- WOMEN
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women who have had a baby within the past year
- Women who have had a baby within the past six months
- Women who have been pregnant within the past six months
- INFANTS from birth to 1 year of age
- CHILDREN from 1 year of age to their 5th birthday
- WOMEN
- Who can apply for WIC?
- Pregnant women
- Mothers and fathers with an infant or child under the age of 5
- Foster parent(s) or guardian(s) with an infant or child under age 5
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- Your family must be income eligible.
- You must live in Minnesota
- Each state provides WIC benefits to its residents
- You will usually receive WIC services in the community where you live
- You do NOT need to be a U.S. citizen
- You or your child has a health risk or could benefit from nutrition foods. Health and nutrition needs will be assessed by a qualified health professional at your WIC appointment.
- Studies show that pregnant women using WIC services:
- Eat more of the foods that provide key nutrients (like vitamin A, vitamin C and iron) needed for babies to grow and develop well.
- See doctors earlier during their pregnancies.
- Have more babies delivered full term.
- Have more babies born at a healthy weight.
- Studies show that for infants whose mothers used WIC services during their pregnancy:
- Infant mortality is reduced and more babies are born without significant health problems.
- Studies show that children who participate in the WIC Program:
- Eat more of the foods that provide key nutrients (like vitamin A, vitamin C and iron).
- Are more likely to grow and develop well during childhood.
- Have better blood iron levels (less iron-deficiency anemia).
- Are more likely to see a doctor regularly for check-ups and to get their shots on time.
- Are better with words and have a better memory for numbers.
- Studies also show:
- $1.77 to $3.13 is saved in Medicaid costs for every $1.00 the WIC program spends serving pregnant women.
- Pregnant women using WIC services have fewer babies that weigh too little (less than 5 and 1/2 pounds) when born. It costs an extra $30,000 to $70,000 to help a small baby grow to a normal weight.
- More information can be found at About WIC: How WIC Helps (USDA FNS website)
WIC Resources
- SHOPPING GUIDES - foods that may be provided by the WIC Program
- WIC Foods - Questions - why are certain foods provided by WIC, nutrients, serving sizes, how to eat more of these foods, etc.
- Food Tips - help with choosing and cooking WIC foods.
- Kids in the Kitchen - how to have kids safely help in the kitchen.
- WIC foods help make amazing kids! WIC foods are chosen, based on recommendations from the National Academies, to provide key nutrients important for health, but that are often inadequate in the diets of participants served by WIC. WIC food benefits support the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, align with the American Academy of Pediatrics infant feeding guidelines, and support breastfeeding. Key nutrients include protein, iron, zinc, calcium, folate, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and fiber.
- Nutrition & Your Family - Nutrition and health information for before, during and after pregnancy. Feeding your baby as he develops and grows. Feeding tips for your child through the toddler and preschool years.
- Wichealth.org - Sign up or login for current nutrition and health information; Health eKitchen, a recipe library featuring WIC approved foods.
Additional Support for Families
This webpage has resources that provide support for families, including education or child care, financial resources, health and safety, substance abuse, and more.
STATE OF MINNESOTA WEBSITES
- Help Me Connect
- Minnesota Department of Industry and Labor
- Minnesota Department of Human Services
- Medical Assistance
- Minnesota Care
- The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
(Fórmula de WIC | Af Soomaali)
WIC contract formula information and resources.
More Fruits & Vegetables
For women and children.
Shopping Help
Take time to learn about shopping for WIC foods before you shop to help you be successful at the grocery store.
WIC Grocery Stores
Find a WIC grocery store.
Recipes
Use WIC foods in simple, kid-friendly recipes.
Contact Us
This form submits an email to the WIC Program's State Office. If you have questions about your benefits or appointments, please contact your local WIC Clinic.
WIC Agency Directory
Find your WIC Clinic.