WIC Program

To get breastfeeding assistance, you can call our 24-hour Breastfeeding Hotline at (518) 221-7183, visit www.breastfeedingpartners.org or call the WIC office at 518-465-9387 for a breastfeeding consultation appointment with the Lactation Counselors in office.

You may be eligible for WIC if:

• You are a pregnant, postpartum or nursing, or if you have children under the age of five.
• You live in New York State.
• You or your children are determined to be at nutritional risk.

You must also meet the income eligibility guidelines.

However, you automatically income-qualify for WIC if you currently receive:

• Medicaid.
• Food Stamps/SNAP benefits.
• TANF (temporary assistance).

To see if you qualify, take this WIC Pre-screening Tool.

You need to bring certain items to your WIC appointment to prove you are eligible. Here is a list of things to bring to your WIC appointment.

In addition, the WIC staff will assess your height, weight and iron count to determine your nutritional needs.

As part of your appointment, WIC has to gather some information about your health. If you have been to the doctor recently, it is helpful if you bring some of your health information with you. Also, if you or your child has any special dietary needs, your doctor will need to complete a special form called the medical documentation form.

Medical Documentation for WIC Formula and Approved WIC Foods for Infants, Children and Women

Medical Documentation for WIC Formula and Approved WIC Foods for Infants, Children and Women needs to have the medical documentation attached to it.

Downloadable WIC food card:

English

En Español 

This card lists the foods and brands that you are allowed to purchase with your WIC food checks. It also lists those items you are NOT allowed to purchase with your WIC food checks.

Use WIC Checks only at authorized WIC Stores in New York State. Look for the “We Accept WIC Checks” sign in the window.

Separate your WIC foods from your other groceries at the register, and sort these foods by check. Be sure to tell the cashier you are making a WIC purchase and show your WIC ID card.

The total cost of your WIC purchases must not go over the “Not to Exceed” amount on the check. Do not pay the difference in price or reduce the amount of food purchased. You may purchase less expensive brands or use coupons. If the total cost of your WIC purchase is less than the “Not to Exceed” amount, you cannot get change. Sign the check only after the exact amount of the purchase is written in the “Pay Exactly” box. Please note: you may not exchange WIC foods for non-WIC foods, cash, or credit.

Treat WIC Checks like cash – they cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Be sure to use Your WIC checks only within the “Not Good Before” and “Not Good After” dates.

Purchase only WIC approved foods as listed on the WIC Acceptable Foods Card, and only the types and amounts of food listed on the check and purchase all of the WIC foods that are listed on each check. Not all checks for that month have to be used at once.

The following stores that are authorized to accept WIC checks: Walmart, Hannaford, Price Chopper/Market 32, and Shop Rite.

Use this map of the local Farmers Markets that accept WIC. The Capital Roots' Veggie Mobile is opened year-round, six days a week. Get the schedule and locations.

If you suspect that someone may be committing WIC fraud or abuse, please contact the fraud hotline at (877) 282-6657 or Debra Hathaway at (518) 402-7101. To send you complaint in writing, please mail to WIC Fraud, BSI, P.O. Box 2061, Albany, NY 12220-0061.

• Approved Formula List

• Proxy Form for having someone else pick-up WIC checks:

• English
• En Español
  
• Helpful nutrition information
• WIC Medical Referral Form for Women
• WIC Medical Referral Form for Infants and Children