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 Downey, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Downey, 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 Downey, 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 Downey, 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 Downey, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Downey, California
7 Eleven Store 27005 B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2021
Address :
11853 Downey Ave,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
7-ELEVEN 16560 C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/16/1999
Address :
7400 Stewart and Gray Rd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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7-eleven 34923a
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/18/2011
Address :
7371 Florence Ave,
Downey, CA 90240.
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99 Cents Only Store 67
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/2/1999
Address :
11916 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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ALBERTSONS 140
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
7676 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Aldi 19
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/24/2017
Address :
11215 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Amapola Deli & Market 3
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2021
Address :
7420 Florence Ave,
Downey, CA 90240.
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ANATEL LIQUORS
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/2004
Address :
9414 Telegraph Rd,
Downey, CA 90240.
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Anthem Oil-downey
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/10/2017
Address :
11856 Old River School Rd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Arco Downey
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/27/2012
Address :
11846 Downey Ave,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Arco of Downey
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/21/2013
Address :
9522 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Asl Liquor & Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/22/2017
Address :
8500 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90240.
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Big Lots 4002
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/18/2014
Address :
9020 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Carniceria Los Compadres
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/2021
Address :
10317 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Champs Liquor 5
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/30/2015
Address :
8007 Florence Ave,
Downey, CA 90240.
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Circle K 2655241
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/9/2013
Address :
12000 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
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CIRCLE M MINI MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/3/1988
Address :
12142 Downey Ave,
Downey, CA 90242.
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CVS PHARMACY 3986
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2004
Address :
8400 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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CVS Pharmacy 8867
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/5/2010
Address :
7915 Florence Ave,
Downey, CA 90240.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9504
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/3/2009
Address :
8008 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 4312
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/25/2010
Address :
8330 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 5758
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2014
Address :
10227 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Downey CFM
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2016
Address :
11039 Downey Ave,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Downey Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2020
Address :
13000 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
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Downey Super Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/3/2017
Address :
13240 Woodruff Ave,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
El Chymal Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/1/2019
Address :
10815 Studebaker Rd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
El Cortez Meat Market,inc. Downey
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 7/12/2021
Address :
7822 Florence Ave,
Downey, CA 90240.
Get Directions
Empire Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/11/2019
Address :
8710 Imperial Hwy,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
FOOD 4 LESS 778
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/7/2001
Address :
13525 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
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G&M 142
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
12555 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
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G&M 92
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
9851 Imperial Hwy,
Downey, CA 90242.
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Glorias Country Butcher
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2008
Address :
12161 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
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Grocery Outlet
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/16/2018
Address :
8320 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
HALL MARKET LIQUOR
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/15/1991
Address :
11534 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Hall Of Fame Market & Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/28/2012
Address :
10846 Downey Ave,
Downey, CA 90241.
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J & K Multani, Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2018
Address :
9809 Imperial Hwy,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
LOUIS LIQUOR
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2009
Address :
9558 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
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Luis' Butcher Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/6/2014
Address :
9071 Imperial Hwy,
Downey, CA 90242.
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Mother's Nutritional Center 0444
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2009
Address :
11849 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Mother's Nutritional Center 444
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/11/2021
Address :
12202 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Mr B's Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/20/2007
Address :
12624 Bellflower Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
PASTELERIA 3 LUCEROS
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2000
Address :
12934 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Pleasure Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/6/2011
Address :
8422 Telegraph Rd,
Downey, CA 90240.
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RALPHS 295
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/18/1996
Address :
8626 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY 173
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
9200 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90240.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5466
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2004
Address :
7859 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Royal Liquor & Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/2/2021
Address :
13103 Lakewood Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Stater Bros. Markets 155
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
7814 E Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Stewart's Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/6/2018
Address :
11112 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Stop'n Go Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/18/2018
Address :
11117 Old River School Rd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
United Pacific #0166 166
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/7/2020
Address :
7360 E. Firestone,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Vallarta Supermarket 48
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/3/2015
Address :
7900 Imperial Hwy,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Vikum Liqour Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/28/2016
Address :
8035 Imperial Hwy,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10112
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2009
Address :
9018 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Walgreens 9842
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2011
Address :
8030 Imperial Hwy,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Walmart Neighborhood Market 5603
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2012
Address :
12270 Paramount Blvd,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 4132
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/29/2016
Address :
9001 Apollo Way,
Downey, CA 90242.
Get Directions
Wyman's Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2019
Address :
9300 Firestone Blvd,
Downey, CA 90241.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Downey, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Downey, 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 Downey, 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 Downey, 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 Downey, 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.