If you are a new mom or an expectant mother, you might be wondering what WIC is all about and how to locate a WIC store. This guide is here to help you understand what WIC is, how it works, and where to find a WIC store.
What is WIC?
WIC is the USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutrition and breastfeeding services and supplemental foods to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday.
WIC gives you resources, knowledge and tools to help you and support your family.
It’s free for moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents and all in Merritt Island, Florida families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Merritt Island, Florida, you must meet the following criteria:
- Live in the state where you apply for WIC.
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, an infant, or a child under the age of five.
- Be at nutritional risk, which means that there is a medical or dietary condition that can be improved by participating in the WIC program.
- Meet the income guidelines in Merritt Island, Florida, which vary by state.
Benefits of WIC
There are four key parts to the WIC program:
1. Healthy Foods. WIC foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter/beans, cereal, juice, infant foods and formula.
2. Breastfeeding Support. WIC provides breastfeeding education, support, and breast pumps to qualifying participants.
3. Nutrition Education. Nutrition information, tools and solutions for parenting, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
4. Health Care Referrals. Personalized referrals to health services and other community resources.
How to apply for WIC
To apply for WIC in Merritt Island, Florida, follow these steps:
1. Find a local WIC agency: Use the WIC agency locator on your state Department of Health and Human Services website to find a WIC agency near you.
2. Make an appointment: Call the WIC agency to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to provide information about your income, residency, and family size.
3. Attend the appointment: At the appointment, you will meet with a WIC staff member who will assess your nutritional risk and provide nutrition education.
4. Receive WIC checks: If you are eligible, you will receive WIC checks that can be used to purchase WIC-approved foods at a WIC store.
What to expect during the WIC appointment
- Check your height and weight to determine your body mass index (BMI).
- Take a blood sample to test for anemia.
- Discuss your medical and dietary history to determine your nutritional risk.
- Provide nutrition education on healthy eating, breastfeeding, and infant feeding.
WIC Stores
WIC benefits are widely accepted for eligible food items at various stores in Merritt Island, Florida:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Merritt Island, Florida
7 Eleven 25737B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/3/2014
Address :
400 W Merritt Island Cswy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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7-eleven 22244C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2018
Address :
1105 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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7-ELEVEN 32274B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/23/2010
Address :
605 S Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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7-eleven 32795A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/6/2017
Address :
1875 E Merritt Island Cswy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Aldi 74
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2008
Address :
1450 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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ALDI 780
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2020
Address :
780 E Merritt Island Cswy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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BJ's WHOLESALE CLUB 120
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/26/2006
Address :
415 E Merritt Ave,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Chevron 196
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/8/2020
Address :
150 Newfound Harbor Dr,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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CIRCLE K 2724724
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/26/1985
Address :
4282 N COURTENAY PKWY,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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CIRCLE K 2724774
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/3/1986
Address :
2323 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Circle K 2726128
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/1980
Address :
6155 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Country Farm 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2021
Address :
855 N Banana River Dr,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Cumberland Farms 9770
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/24/2016
Address :
1385 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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CVS Pharmacy 3640
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2009
Address :
11 E Merritt Island Cswy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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CVS Pharmacy 5177
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2009
Address :
1345 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Dollar General 17121
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/19/2016
Address :
3995 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Dollar General 17773
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/11/2017
Address :
225 S Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Dollar General Market 9859
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2005
Address :
239 Crockett Blvd,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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DOLLAR TREE 0810
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2006
Address :
755 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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HAYES MEATS
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/16/1996
Address :
285 Fortenberry Rd,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Ian's Market #78 78
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2020
Address :
600 S Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Island Seafood
Store Details :
- Type: Seafood Specialty
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2016
Address :
875 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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K & D Discount
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/27/2010
Address :
698 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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K&D DISCOUNT BEVERAGE AND FOODS
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2005
Address :
500 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Om2015inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2017
Address :
290 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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PUBLIX 0893
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2003
Address :
1850 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Publix 0757
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/23/2002
Address :
125 E Merritt Island Causeway,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Race Trac 611
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2011
Address :
2570 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Shakti Sai 9
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/4/2017
Address :
844 N Banana River Dr,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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SUNOCO 2558 2558
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/4/2008
Address :
405 E Merritt Cswy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Sunoco 2560 2560
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/18/2009
Address :
1760 E Merritt Island Cswy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Sunoco 7715 7715
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/13/2009
Address :
600 S Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Target Store T-1053
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/12/2005
Address :
250 Crockett Blvd,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Thrifty Produce & Meat
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/13/2013
Address :
865 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Tropical Trail Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/7/2020
Address :
1570 N Tropical Trl,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Walgreens 04401
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/21/2005
Address :
90 S Sykes Creek Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Walgreens 09959
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/29/2005
Address :
1587 N Courtenay Pkwy,
Merritt Island, FL 32953.
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Walmart S/C 771
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1994
Address :
1500 E Merritt Island Cswy,
Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Merritt Island, Florida
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Merritt Island, Florida:
1. Plan ahead: Before going to the store, make a list of the WIC-approved foods you need to purchase.
2. Check expiration dates: Make sure to check the expiration dates on all food items before purchasing them.
3. Don't forget your WIC checks: Make sure to bring your WIC checks with you to the store.
4. Ask for help: If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask a WIC store staff member for help.
Free Food Programs Summary
Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
---|---|---|---|---|
SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
Federal Poverty Limit in Florida
POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | ||
---|---|---|
Persons in Family | Poverty Limit(100%) | Poverty Limit(200%) |
1 | $14,580 | $29,160 |
2 | $19,720 | $39,440 |
3 | $24,860 | $49,720 |
4 | $30,000 | $60,000 |
5 | $35,140 | $70,280 |
6 | $40,280 | $80,560 |
7 | $45,420 | $90,840 |
8 | $50,560 | $101,120 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person. |
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1.What is the income limit to qualify for WIC Merritt Island, Florida?
The income limit to qualify for WIC varies by state and household size. Check Federal Poverty Limit above for your state.
2. Can I apply for WIC if I am an undocumented immigrant?
Yes, undocumented immigrants may be eligible for WIC if they meet the other eligibility requirements. WIC is a non-cash benefit, so it does not affect immigration status.
3. How often can I visit a WIC store Merritt Island, Florida?
WIC participants are typically required to visit a WIC store once a month to pick up their food benefits.
4. Can I use my WIC benefits at any grocery store?
No, WIC benefits can only be used at WIC-approved stores Merritt Island, Florida.
4. Can I use my WIC card in another state ?
You can not use one state WIC card in another state. However if you relocate to another state can go to that state WIC agency to update WIC card for that state.
The new agency will verify your eligibility, and you can continue to receive benefits in the new state.
5. What should I do if I lose my WIC checks?
If you lose your WIC checks, contact your local WIC agency immediately to request replacement checks.