Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

- What is WIC?
- Who administers WIC In Minnesota?
- Who is eligible for WIC?
- What is Adjunct Income Eligibility?
- What is Presumptive Income Eligibility?
- Can I apply to WIC directly without being enrolled in another program?
- Are there any other eligibility requirements?
- Who can apply for the WIC Program?
- How do I apply for WIC?
- What happens at my WIC certification appointment?
- What do I need to bring to the WIC Certification Appointment?
- Do I need to renew my WIC eligibility?
- How long can I receive WIC benefits?
- What foods can I purchase with my WIC vouchers?
- How do I use my WIC vouchers?
- What information about citizenship status is needed?
The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Or, if you or a family member is currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medical Assistance - TEFRA, the person receiving these benefits is income eligible for the WIC Program.
Only those family members in the qualifying groups (see question #3) will receive the benefits.
There is no application to complete for the WIC program. You must schedule a Certification Appointment with your county or tribal WIC agency to see if you and other qualifying family members are eligible to receive WIC benefits. You must come in person and bring all family members applying for WIC to the appointment. To find your county WIC agency, click here.
During your appointment, you and/or your child will have a nutrition assessment including a measurement of weight, height, and hemoglobin (a quick finger stick). You will talk with a WIC educator about good nutrition and healthy eating, breastfeeding and any special nutrition and health concerns your family might have. If you are found eligible for WIC benefits, you will receive WIC vouchers to purchase healthy foods for you and/or your child. You will also make another appointment to come back in 1-3 months for nutrition counseling based on the nutrition assessment and to pick up more vouchers.
Each voucher tells what food can be purchased. WIC allows you to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereals, peanut butter, beans, milk, juice, soy products and infant foods. Food choices and amounts will vary depending on whether there is a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child 1 to 5 in the household. To learn more about WIC food guidelines, click here.
You can only use your voucher at a WIC-approved store. Click here to find a store near you. Each voucher is good for a specific time period. Make sure to use your voucher between the first and last day listed on the voucher. Each voucher is only good for the foods listed on it. Be sure the foods you select match the size/quantity and description of the foods listed on your voucher such as 2 gallons of skim or 1% milk, 1 dozen large eggs or 16 ounces whole grain bread.