WIC

WIC helps you buy fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese and bread if you are pregnant, postpartum (chest/breastfeeding or non-chest/breastfeeding), or have a child under 5.

Our goal is to get families off to a healthy start. To do this, WIC provides:

• Free, healthy food & formula
• Chest/breastfeeding support
• Tips for eating well to improve your health
• Personalized nutrition consultations
• Family support worker to help with referrals and additional needs

If you are:

• pregnant
• postpartum
• chest/breast feeding
• an infant
• child under 5 years old

If you live in;

• Franklin County
• Hampshire County
• North Quabbin area

and make under a certain amount of money each year.

• SNAP (food stamps)
• some types of Mass Health
• Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or cash assistance (TAFDC)
• all foster children up to the age of 5

You can check to see if you qualify for WIC here.

Call your local WIC office at 413-376-1160.

Set up a WIC appointment with our staff member or leave your best contact number and spell your name so a staff member can return your call.

Apply for WIC online at www.mass.gov/wic. Your application will be sent to your local WIC office and a WIC staff member will contact you to set up an appointment.

You will go to four nutrition appointments each year (some families may need to have more appointments.)

A WIC nutritionist will examine your child and measure their growth and the amount of iron in their blood. They will ask you questions about your health and pregnancy history, and make sure you feel confident about your child’s nutrition. They will also support you with chest/breastfeeding.

WIC appointments are either in-person or virtual.

WIC welcomes all families. You do not have to be a US citizen or have a Green Card.

Being on WIC does not make you a Public Charge.

You can check to see if you are eligible for WIC here.

Your WIC food benefits are on a card that can be used like a debit card.

You can share your WIC Card and PIN number with a family member, friend, or anyone you trust to do the shopping.

You can use WIC benefits at approximately 850 authorized grocery stores and pharmacies.

Your WIC food benefits must be used monthly. You are not required to buy all the food benefits at one time.

WIC benefits do not roll over to the next month.

‘Swipe’ your WIC Card first at the register BEFORE any other form of payment, including SNAP. Your WIC card will pay for any food that is covered by WIC, and then show what is left.

No fees to replace lost, damaged or stolen WIC Cards.

Many WIC-eligible foods are marked with WIC labels at the grocery store or pharmacy.

We also have an app called WICShopper, which you can use to review your available foods or formula.