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​WIC Program - Women, Infants and Children

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is WIC?

  WIC is a Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It is federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.
  

  
  

• How is WIC funded?

  WIC is funded by an appropriation from Congress to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA allocates monies to the various States and Territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) Health Departments. Various local WIC agencies receive funds based on the number of WIC participants they serve.
  

  WIC is also funded, in part, by private industry. WIC generates revenue through competitive bidding on some of the foods the WIC program provides. This is inclusive of a rebate.
  

• How long has WIC been around?

  The WIC Program was started as a pilot program in Pineville, Kentucky in 1974 and was adopted as a major, nation-wide program in 1975.
  

• Where is WIC available?

  WIC is available in all 50 States and in the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
  

• What is the connection between the City of Dallas and the WIC Program?

  The City of Dallas administers the WIC Program through a grant contract with the Texas Department of State health Services. This WIC/City of Dallas partnership developed when the WIC Program was first initiated in the state of Texas in 1974.
  

• What does WIC provide?

  
  

  • Electronic Benefit Transfer for nutritious food (EBT card)
  • Nutrition classes
  • Individual nutrition counseling
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Community referrals