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 Imperial Beach, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Imperial Beach, California
13TH STREET MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/2005
Address :
1126 13th St,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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7-Eleven 13563
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/2011
Address :
197 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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7-ELEVEN 18322
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2010
Address :
657 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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7-eleven 23982B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/9/2014
Address :
1303 Imperial Beach Blvd,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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7-Eleven 24344
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/29/2009
Address :
1311 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Arco 42141
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/24/2012
Address :
1185 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Bowman's Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2010
Address :
1008 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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CVS Pharmacy 9120
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/16/2008
Address :
800 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Dollar Tree 7616
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/27/2018
Address :
836 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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I.B. ULTRAMAR
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/31/2000
Address :
1300 Imperial Beach Blvd,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Imperial Beach Commissary 1616
Store Details :
- Type: Military Commissary
- Authorization Date: 9/17/1986
Address :
1500 13th St,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Imperial Beach Grocery Outlet 288
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/30/2017
Address :
881 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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La Posta Market 2
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/16/2019
Address :
1266 Imperial Beach Blvd,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Leon Discount Tobacco & Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/18/2018
Address :
185 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Mercado Shores
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2017
Address :
639 7th St,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Neighbors Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/13/2016
Address :
1497 13th St,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Palm Ave Market And Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/6/2018
Address :
1200 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Pours Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/2021
Address :
1141 13th St,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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To Market To Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/31/2001
Address :
921 Seacoast Dr,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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United Pacific #0657 657
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2020
Address :
907 Palm Ave,
Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Imperial Beach, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach, 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.