WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information and support, nutritious foods and referrals to health and other social services at no charge.

Women who are pregnant, up to six months post-partum or up to one year breastfeeding,
Infants and
Children up to age five.

Eligible participants must have an income at or below 185% of US Poverty Income Guidelines, be a state resident, and be at nutritional or medical risk as determined by a health professional. Applicants who are currently enrolled in or have family members enrolled in other benefit programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) automatically meet the income eligibility requirement.

To apply for the WIC program in Georgia, the following information must be provided to the clinic:

• Proof of identification (for parent/guardian and child)
• proof of income for every working adult in the household or proof of participation in another benefit program
• proof of Georgia residency (street address) for all applicants.

Many clinics operate on the appointment system since applicants must also be seen by the Nutritionist or Nurse (in order to determine if the client has any nutritional risks). Click on the appropriate county site for phone information and hours of operation.

Breastfeeding Support

WIC provides support for mothers to help them through their breastfeeding journey. We will pair you with a breastfeeding peer counselor who can offer tips on holding, producing, latching, pumping and more.

Nutrition Education

Early nutrition is critical for healthy development in infants and children, as well as for preventing chronic health problems in adults. The WIC program provides several ways to get educated on the best nutrition for your family to reach these goals. You can participate in interactive online courses that help you understand which foods can give you the vitamins and nutrients you need. You can also meet one-on-one with WIC staff to discuss your current nutritional intake and how to cultivate healthier eating habits.

Food Benefits and WIC Shopping

WIC vouchers help moms when they are grocery shopping, providing them with free, healthy foods that are full of calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and protein to meet their nutritional needs. The vouchers include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and pantry staples, such as:

• Fresh produce
• Milk
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Dried peas or beans
• Peanut butter
• Iron-fortified breakfast cereals (hot and cold)
• Infant cereals
• Infant foods
• Iron-fortified infant formula

You can shop with WIC vouchers at your favorite local grocery store. Look out for the WIC labels in the aisles and hand your voucher to the cashier at check-out. Click here for a list of authorized WIC vendors.

Please review the following chart then choose the option on the right below that best describes your family and income.  Please note:  There are some exceptions to the standard income guidelines that may qualify you for WIC benefits.  If your income is slightly above the guidelines given below, go to our Clinic Listing to discuss your potential eligibility with a WIC staff person.

The number of persons in Family Unit*: Unborn children should be counted in family total. Example: A pregnant woman with a single unborn child are counted as two (2) in the family unit. A pregnant woman with two unborn children (twins) is counted as three (3).

Complete a WIC online application at the Georgia Gateway website. If you are eligible for benefits, your clinic will contact you with an appointment for your Nutrition Assessment and food voucher.

Apply on Georgia Gateway

For more details visit: http://dph.georgia.gov/WIC

Current Income Eligibility Guidelines: http://dph.georgia.gov/eligibility-income-guidelines

For more information about WIC visit: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/women-infants-and-children-wic

Complete GaGateway application https://gateway.ga.gov/access/

To complete your online nutrition education go to http://www.gawiconline.org

APPROVED FORMULA’S AND FOODS

What type of formula can I receive?
Click here for WIC Formula Resources

What are WIC approved foods?
Click here to view the WIC Approved Food List

 If you are experiencing difficulty and would like to file a vendor/store complaint email to : wic-vendor.relations@dph.ga.gov

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FARMER’S MARKET

Can I attend WIC Farmers Market?
District 8-2 Farmer’s Market is offered once a year during the summer months of July and August. Contact District WIC Office located at Dougherty Co. Health Department, 1710 S. Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA or call 229-352-6566 for market dates and times.