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​WIC - Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Only foods which are high in Vitamin A&C, protein, iron and calcium are provided as part of the WIC program. These are the nutrients which are vital to good health and development of pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children. The foods the WIC program provides include eggs, milk, cheese, beans, peanut butter, iron fortified infant and adult cereals, fruit, vegetables and strained baby fruit and vegetables and Vitamin C fortified juices. Breastfeeding women receive additional food benefits which also include tuna and carrots. While it is the hope of the City of Dallas WIC that all of our mothers will choose breastfeeding as the ideal infant feeding choice, iron fortified infant formula is also provided.

WIC EBT benefits are issued for very specific foods in specific amounts, to ensure that the best possible nutrition is provided at the lowest possible cost.

In order to be eligible for WIC, you must: 1. Be in a group WIC serves.(see What groups does WIC serve?) 2. Meet the income guidelines. (see What are the income guidelines?) 3. Have a nutritional need which can be improved by WIC. (see What do you mean by nutritional need?) 4. Live in an area served by WIC.

Families living in the U.S. undocumented or who have applied for citizenship do qualify for WIC. Their application or legal status will not be jeopardized in any way.

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women up to one year postpartum
• Non-breastfeeding women up to six months postpartum
• Postpartum women with special circumstances (such as miscarriage or adoption) up to six months postpartum
• Infants and children under age 5
• Single fathers with eligible children
• All foster children under 5

WIC is not an entitlement program. That means eligibility is not solely based on household income. All WIC participants are screened for nutritional risk by trained staff.

WIC income eligibility is based on 185% of poverty level. The guidelines consider total household size and income. WIC helps all eligible families on public assistance, but also assists families with working parents. Many low to moderate income families are eligible and do not realize it. Click here for qualifications.​

The following requirements are necessary for WIC enrollment: 1. Proof of address 2. Identification (i.e. drivers license, state ID) 3. Proof of income (i.e. pay stub) 4. The child, infant, or woman enrolling must be present

*If a client does not have necessary documentation, WIC staff members will assist the participant in meeting these requirements.

If you are unable to make an appointment, please call us at 214-670-7200 to reschedule.

Many fraud controls exist within the WIC Program. WIC participants must provide proof of income, identification and address upon enrollment and at six-month intervals thereafter. Local WIC agencies are audited frequently by the State WIC Branch for program compliance. The State Vendor Management Unit works with supermarkets which accept WIC EBT cards to detect fraud in redemption.

Over 70 studies have proven the effectiveness of WIC.

• Participation in WIC reduces anemia levels in children. Anemia is a serious nutritional problem which makes it difficult for children to learn and pay attention.
• WIC families eat more nutritious foods.
• WIC children have better immunization rates.
• WIC participation reduces infant mortality.
• WIC improves pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women who participate in WIC seek prenatal care earlier.
• A study was conducted comparing (A) WIC children and (B) children who did not participate in WIC. Group (A)'s mothers enrolled in WIC during pregnancy and their children continued on WIC until graduation from the program at age 5. Group (B)'s mother were eligible for WIC, but for one reason or another, did not participate. The study showed that the WIC children from group (A) had better visual-motor abilities, better vocabularies and better memories.
• For every $1 spent on WIC there is an average savings of $4.21 in Medicaid costs.

If you have any additional questions about the City of Dallas WIC Program:

Please call 214-670-7200​