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 Alameda, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Alameda, California, 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 Alameda, California, 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 Alameda, California, 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 Alameda, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Alameda, California
7-ELEVEN 14193 E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/30/2000
Address :
639 Buena Vista Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 24003 C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/14/2010
Address :
2301 Lincoln Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
A-1 Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/31/2012
Address :
1420 Encinal Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Alameda Cellars Wine And Liquors
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2012
Address :
2425 Encinal Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Alameda Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 7/23/2012
Address :
706 Haight Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Alameda Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/23/2021
Address :
2001 Lincoln Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Alameda Natural Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/14/2005
Address :
1650 Park St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Aljazeera Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2014
Address :
1525 Webster St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Aria Supermarket
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/9/2007
Address :
1552 Webster St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Better Buy Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2018
Address :
1801 Webster St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Bonfare Market 25
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/6/2015
Address :
650 Central Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9128
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2009
Address :
2314 Santa Clara Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9250
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2009
Address :
885-A ISLAND DR,
Alameda, CA 94502.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9255
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/2/2009
Address :
931 Marina Village Pkwy,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Dan's Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/2/2021
Address :
2300 Central Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Daves Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2011
Address :
1401 Webster St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Discount City 3
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2018
Address :
1440 Webster St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 5672
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2014
Address :
2317 Blanding Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
E-Z Liquors
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/2008
Address :
901 Lincoln Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Encinals Liquors Grocery Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2021
Address :
2172 Encinal Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Golden 7 Food Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/14/2006
Address :
500 Lincoln Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Grand Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/27/2021
Address :
1702 Lincoln Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
High Street Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2021
Address :
1505 High St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
LINCOLN MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2010
Address :
2070 Lincoln Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Lucky 700
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/17/1988
Address :
815 Marina Village Pkwy,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
New Richs Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2005
Address :
1543 Lincoln Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
NOB HILL 632
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2007
Address :
2531 Blanding Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Papa Murphy's CA010
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2016
Address :
1929 Broadway,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 951
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
867 Island Dr,
Alameda, CA 94502.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 2708
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2005
Address :
2227 S Shore Ctr,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Safeway 3281
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/2/2015
Address :
2600 Fifth St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Target 2829
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2013
Address :
2700 Fifth St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
TRADER JOES 109
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/12/2002
Address :
2217 S Shore Ctr,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Walgreens 09248
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2006
Address :
2300 Otis Dr,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Walgreens 4050
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/18/1999
Address :
1916 Webster St,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Zgheib & Kelejian Inc. 280
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2018
Address :
730 Buena Vista Ave,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Alameda, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Alameda, California:
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 California
| 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 Alameda, California?
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 Alameda, California?
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 Alameda, California.
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.