Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program
What is WIC? WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It is a health and nutrition program that has demonstrated a positive effect on pregnancy outcomes and child growth and development. It helps to correct or prevent malnutrition in low and moderate income families including pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants and children up to 5 years old. WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and education and makes referrals to other needed community health services.
WIC Facts:
- Each month, more than 200,000 moms, babies and children less than 5 years of age receive nutritious foods from the Michigan WIC Program.
- WIC foods are worth between $30-$112 or more per participant each month.
- One out of every two babies born in Michigan receive WIC benefits.
- The earlier a pregnant woman receives nutritional benefits from WIC, the more likely she is to seek prenatal care and deliver a normal weight infant.
- For every dollar spent by this program, more than three dollars in health care costs are saved.
- Local communities are supported with more than $1 million yearly when WIC foods are purchased at local grocery stores.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-504-2650, extension 1826. For the local phone number and location of WIC agencies in your county, see Office Locations.
WIC Provides:
Supplemental Foods: WIC clients receive electronic benefits (EBT) on the Michigan WIC Bridge Card which provides nutritious foods to help supplement and improve their diet. Women and children may receive low fat milk, cheese, low fat yogurt, eggs, juices rich in Vitamin C, cereals, canned or dried beans or peanut butter, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, and infant foods and formula for babies.
Nutrition Education: Nutrition education is offered to all WIC clients or their caregivers. WIC participants can learn more about good nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy, how to feed an infant or toddler, anemia or iron deficiency and childhood growth and development and other nutrition related health issues. In addition, Registered Dietitians (RD) can provide individualized high risk nutrition counseling for participants with special medical conditions or nutrition-related health issues.
Health Care Referrals: WIC helps to ensure that families benefit from other appropriate health and social services in the community. The WIC Program will screen for other health problems and make referrals as needed. Examples of these referrals include Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), immunizations, family planning and other community programs.
Breastfeeding Education and Support: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding through the first year of life. WIC has specially trained staff that will educate and support mothers with their breastfeeding goals. To learn more about how WIC supports breastfeeding moms and babies, click here.
Who is Eligible for WIC?
Those eligible to receive WIC are the following individuals:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Women who recently had a baby
- Infants from birth to 12 months
- Children who are 1 to 5 years
Individuals must also be a resident of the state of Michigan (including those residing in a group home, shelter or other institutions) and be income eligible (at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines). Click here to check income eligibility. Those families receiving Medicaid or Food Stamps (SNAP) also qualify for WIC.
What Does WIC Cost?
WIC services are free to applicants and clients.
Is WIC Effective?
Yes! WIC is a proven effective health care program. Evaluations of WIC show that:
- WIC helps pregnant women see physicians earlier and receive timely prenatal care.
- WIC improves pregnancy outcome by providing or referring to support services necessary for full term pregnancies.
- WIC participation improves the diet of pregnant women and improves the length of pregnancy and infant birth weight.
- WIC participation reduces infant mortality by reducing the incidence of low birth weight infants (under 5 ½ pounds). Low birth weight infants are at greater risk for breathing problems, brain injuries, and physical abnormalities.
- WIC significantly reduces anemia among preschool children.
- WIC children are better immunized and more likely to have a regular source of health care.
How Can I Find Out More About WIC?
Call District Health Department No. 2 at 1-800-504-2650, extension 1826, for more information or to schedule an appointment. See Office Locations for clinic nearest to you.
To check eligibility and schedule an appointment on-line, visit the WIC Client Connect website here.
Additional Information
Application Process
Please bring with you to your appointment:
- Proof of residency
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of income
- Person that is being enrolled in WIC
Hours:
Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am – 4:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. If these hours are difficult for you, please ask the WIC staff about our late or early clinics. You must have an appointment to receive WIC benefits and services.
Languages:
English, Interpreters or interpretation services are available. Please indicate need when calling.
Introducing WIC Client Connect!
WIC at your fingertips! Use this new website to access your benefit information and other important information about your WIC account. Click here to create you Client Connect account.
For individuals new to WIC:
- Learn about WIC
- See if you are eligible for WIC
- Find WIC clinics or grocery stores near you
Current WIC Clients can:
- Ask for an appointment
- Find out when your next appointment is
- Find your benefit balance
Project FRESH-Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), also known as Project FRESH is a program that provides fresh Michigan grown produce to eligible participants of the WIC Program while fostering economic development by promoting families to shop at local area Farm Markets.
WIC participants that qualify receive a coupon booklet worth $25 in nutrition benefits in addition to their WIC food package. The booklet contains five $5.00 coupons to be used at authorized participating Farm Markets to purchase fresh Michigan grown fruits and vegetables. Coupons are valid from June 1st through October 31st.
To learn more about Project FRESH, please call the WIC staff at DHD#2 at 1-800-504-2650, extension 1826, or visit the MDHHS’ Project FRESH website.
Non-discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
This page was last updated on February 2nd, 2023.
