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 Costa Mesa, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Costa Mesa, California
7 Eleven Store 13794D
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/11/2015
Address :
20034 Santa Ana Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 13795 B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/7/2021
Address :
1097 Baker St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 18226E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2020
Address :
675 Paularino Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 27621 C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/3/2018
Address :
3001 Bristol St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 19671E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2010
Address :
2683 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 32938
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/25/2009
Address :
204 E 17th Street,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Store #15913
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/30/2009
Address :
2150 Placentia Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Store 17872
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/24/2009
Address :
1673 Irvine Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
7-eleven Store 2172-27007
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/11/2010
Address :
2244 Fairview Rd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
7-eleven Store 35884B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2012
Address :
1548 Adams Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
88 Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2019
Address :
586 W 19th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
99 CENTS ONLY STORES 174
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/19/2002
Address :
2180 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
AK Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2013
Address :
1178 Sunflower Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
California Stop Food Beer & Wine Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/10/2015
Address :
600 W 19th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Chevron 1868
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2015
Address :
3190 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Chevron 1869
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2015
Address :
2000 Fairview Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Chevron 1949
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2015
Address :
2160 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Circle K 2708544
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/31/2011
Address :
2346 Newport Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Circle K 2709421
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/23/2013
Address :
3470 Fairview Rd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Circle K 2723037
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/17/2009
Address :
111 Del Mar Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Circle K 2729456
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/12/2011
Address :
3006 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Costa Mesa Grocery Outlet
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2017
Address :
1835 Newport Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Costa Mesa Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/7/2016
Address :
1746 Placentia Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 8830
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2009
Address :
2701 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9484
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/2/2010
Address :
1150 Baker St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9863
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2009
Address :
175 E 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Dollar Mart Plus Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/23/2015
Address :
841 W 1/2 19th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
DOLLAR TREE 5335
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/11/2013
Address :
2230 FAIRVIEW RD,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
El Campeon Carniceria 2
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/20/2000
Address :
517 W Wilson St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
EL METATE MARKET #3
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2020
Address :
817 W 19th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
EL TORO BRAVO MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
739 W 19th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
G&M 157
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
3048 Bristol St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
G&M 158
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
3067 Bristol St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
G&M 43
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
1740 Newport Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
G&M 52
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
195 E 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Growers Direct 1
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/13/2018
Address :
101 E 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Kings Food & Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/22/2009
Address :
2263 Fairview Rd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Kmart 4047
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/21/2000
Address :
2200 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Lucky Circle K 2655749
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2017
Address :
1654 Santa Ana Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Mama's Nutrition Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2021
Address :
786 W 19th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Manneh Alta Dena Drive Thru Dairy
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2013
Address :
1085 Baker St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Monrovia Liquor Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2016
Address :
1895 Monrovia Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Mother's Market & Kitchen
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/13/2016
Address :
1890 Newport Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Nutrition Baby
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/19/2021
Address :
275 Victoria St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Orange County Farm Bureau - CFM's
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 8/16/2000
Address :
88 Fair Dr,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Power Liquor Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2019
Address :
1888 Placentia Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
RALPHS 33
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
380 E 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5733
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/5/2005
Address :
211 E 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5734
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/5/2005
Address :
2300 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
RITE AID 6213
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2005
Address :
3029 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
SMART & FINAL 389
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/28/1994
Address :
707 W 19th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Soco Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 8/10/2016
Address :
3315 Hyland Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Speedway 2097
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/10/2019
Address :
751 Baker St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Sprouts Farmers Market 240
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2011
Address :
3030 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Sprouts Farmers Market 258
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2011
Address :
225 E 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Stater Bros. Markets 25
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
2180 Newport Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
STATER BROS. MARKETS 35
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1175 Baker St Ste C,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Super Stop Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/18/1997
Address :
1913 Pomona Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Superior Stations 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/9/2021
Address :
2050 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Target Store T-1293
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2005
Address :
3030 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
TRADER JOE'S 35
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2003
Address :
640 W 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
VONS 1736
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/26/1999
Address :
2701 Harbor Blvd,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Get Directions
Vons 2513
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
185 E 17th St,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Walgreens 11652
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/21/2016
Address :
1726 Superior Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Costa Mesa, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, 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.