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 Muscatine, Iowa families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Muscatine, Iowa, 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 Muscatine, Iowa, 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 Muscatine, Iowa, 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 Muscatine, Iowa:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Muscatine, Iowa
Aldi Inc 5
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/29/1984
Address :
3200 Northport Dr,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 1484
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/16/2006
Address :
1111 Oregon St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 2944
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/23/2011
Address :
3010 University Dr,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 4025
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/24/2021
Address :
4701 S Highway 61,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Caseys General Store 2906
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/3/2010
Address :
3509 Steamboat Way,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Circle K 4706600
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2004
Address :
802 Cypress St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Djaagou- A Export (african Market) 154463
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2018
Address :
1324 E 2nd St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Dollar General 18711
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/30/2018
Address :
3614 Grandview Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Dollar General 19625
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/1/2018
Address :
807 Grandview Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Dollar General 21855
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2020
Address :
901 Cypress St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Dollar General 7027
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2004
Address :
2000 Cedar Plaza Dr,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 2795
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/14/2013
Address :
2604 2nd Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Edith's Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/16/2021
Address :
204 Cedar St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Express Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/6/2016
Address :
4804 S Highway 61,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Fareway Stores Inc 998
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/1/2000
Address :
2100 Cedar Plaza Dr,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Fast Ave One Stop 5632620419
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/29/2021
Address :
2111 Park Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
GM Minimart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/13/2020
Address :
2307 Lucas St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee Food & Drugstore 1437
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
2400 2nd Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee Gas 5437
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2005
Address :
2600 2nd Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee Mainstreet 7060
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/28/2003
Address :
510 E 6th St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Kum & Go 1436
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/16/2017
Address :
416 Cedar St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Kum & Go 438
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/6/2009
Address :
1010 Park Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Kwik Star 1064
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/31/2019
Address :
3605 University Dr,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Muscatine Shell Fast Break 0007
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2021
Address :
2603 2nd Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
New York Dollar Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2008
Address :
109 E 2nd St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys IA026
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 2/11/2010
Address :
2604 2nd Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Pearl City Tobacco & Liquor Outlet
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2020
Address :
200 Green St,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Stewart Road Fast Break 15
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/18/2014
Address :
2418 Stewart Rd,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Super Saver Liquor Muscatine
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/3/2019
Address :
1510A Isett Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Walgreens 05885
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/18/2006
Address :
1703 Park Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Walmart SC 559
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/13/1997
Address :
3003 N Highway 61,
Muscatine, IA 52761.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Muscatine, Iowa
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Muscatine, Iowa:
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 Iowa
| 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 Muscatine, Iowa?
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 Muscatine, Iowa?
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 Muscatine, Iowa.
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.