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 El Centro, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in El Centro, 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 El Centro, 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 El Centro, 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 El Centro, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in El Centro, California
7 Eleven 39518
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2011
Address :
2420 S 4th St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
7-ELEVEN 26684 D
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/4/2013
Address :
485 E Main St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
7-ELEVEN STORE 21028B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/29/1995
Address :
1485 Ocotillo Dr,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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7-eleven Store 21836c
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/29/2016
Address :
2050 S 4th St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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7-Eleven Store 24811D
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/9/2015
Address :
815 Adams Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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7-Eleven Store 38661H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/10/2021
Address :
555 N Imperial Ave.,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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99 Cent Only Store 0395
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/19/2014
Address :
524 E Danenberg Dr,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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99 Cents Only Store 267
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/13/2007
Address :
201 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Aldi 79081
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/2/2016
Address :
2260 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Arco Am/pm Aurora 42315
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/15/2017
Address :
398 Aurora Dr,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Cardenas 23
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/10/2017
Address :
1620 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Circle K 2720203
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/1984
Address :
488 W Brighton Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Circle K Stores 2709506
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/5/2019
Address :
1999 W. Adams Avenue,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Costco Wholesale 121
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/25/2009
Address :
2030 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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CVS Pharmacy 10931
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/29/2016
Address :
1745 S Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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CVS/PHARMACY 10931
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2016
Address :
1600 S Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Dollar General Market 14455
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/26/2013
Address :
550 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 3748
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/5/2008
Address :
2300 Cottonwood Dr,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Dollar Tree 3752
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/31/2008
Address :
3509 S Dogwood Rd,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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El Centro Arco Am Pm
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/3/2020
Address :
1499 W Main St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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El Centro Commissary 1908
Store Details :
- Type: Military Commissary
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
2nd St Naval Air Facility,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
El Centro Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2019
Address :
401 W State St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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El Sol Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2007
Address :
2299 W Adams Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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El Sol Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2015
Address :
1586 S 4th St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Euclid Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/9/2006
Address :
603 W Euclid Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Family Dollar 9258
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2012
Address :
1111 S 4th St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Fillco
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/20/2019
Address :
1302 S 4th St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
FOOD 4 LESS 774
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2002
Address :
2420 Cottonwood Dr,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Grocery Outlet Of El Centro 486
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/2021
Address :
1537 W Main St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Kennedys Karne
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/26/2019
Address :
1239 Adams Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Mayo's Candy Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2021
Address :
524 W Main St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Mother Earth Nutrition
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/25/2013
Address :
605 Wake Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Pico's Golden Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2020
Address :
802 W Pico Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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RITE AID 5680
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/19/2005
Address :
1501 W Main St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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SMART & FINAL 798
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/28/1994
Address :
650 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Store 6416
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/12/2019
Address :
960 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Super 99 & Party Stop
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/7/2018
Address :
643 S 4th St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Super Stop Travel Center
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/16/2011
Address :
550 Wake Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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Target Store T-1816
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2009
Address :
2295 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
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UNITED PACIFIC 1444
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/12/2016
Address :
525 N la Brucherie Rd,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
V.d.c.groupinc. Dba Vdc Los Compadres Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/8/2016
Address :
531 N 5th St,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
VONS 2406
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/25/1988
Address :
750 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Wake Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2019
Address :
605 Wake Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Walgreens 06856
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/19/2005
Address :
100 N Imperial Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Walmart SuperCenter 1555
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/5/2001
Address :
2150 N Waterman Ave,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Zanid Holdings Lp Dba Arco Ampm Dogwood
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2017
Address :
3603 S Dogwood Rd,
El Centro, CA 92243.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in El Centro, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in El Centro, 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 El Centro, 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 El Centro, 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 El Centro, 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.