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 Los Banos, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Los Banos, 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Los Banos, California
7 Eleven 22736G
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/14/2018
Address :
603 Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
7 Eleven 38704a 38704A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/16/2020
Address :
390 Mercey Springs Rd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
99 Cent Only Stores 0441
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/10/2016
Address :
1209 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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A1 Step & Save
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2019
Address :
403 N Mercey Springs Rd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Apricot Hill
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/7/2014
Address :
14750 Hillside Ave,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Arco Ampm # 83945 83945
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2021
Address :
2027 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Baby's Nutrition 6
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2017
Address :
30 W G St,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Big Lots 4739
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/12/2021
Address :
951 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Buy N Save Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/14/2019
Address :
225 7th St,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Circle K 2706068
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/16/2015
Address :
410 N Mercey Springs Rd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Circle K 2720712
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/7/1994
Address :
547 W I St,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Circle K 2723621
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/7/1984
Address :
1704 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Dollar General Market 13697
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/13/2013
Address :
485 N Mercey Springs Rd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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DOLLAR TREE 1256
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/12/2008
Address :
1423 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Dollartree 10593
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2014
Address :
2120 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Food 4 Less 7
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2002
Address :
2000 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Fresh Fill
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/27/2021
Address :
2270 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Grocery Outlet Of Los Banos 507
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2021
Address :
1337 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Iniguez Bakery
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/5/2019
Address :
740 W I St,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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La Esperanza Food Center
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/4/2016
Address :
937 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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La Michoacana Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/11/2018
Address :
1005 6th St,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
La Michocana Carneceria 2
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2016
Address :
820 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
La Morenita Tortilleria & Meat 2
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/11/2008
Address :
705 H St,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Los Banos Abattoir
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 6/17/2015
Address :
1312 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Los Banos Arco/ampm
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/31/2017
Address :
1550 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys Take And Bake Pizza CA-138
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2019
Address :
1450 S Mercey Springs Rd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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RITE AID 5855
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/23/2004
Address :
1317 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Rooney's Discount Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2014
Address :
310 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Santa Fe Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/1/2011
Address :
1109 6th St,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
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Save Mart 631
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2017
Address :
1400 S Mercey Springs Rd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Target Store T-2359
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/24/2008
Address :
1405 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Town And Country Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2021
Address :
1248 E Pacheco Blad,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Walgreens 6418
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2002
Address :
1360 E Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Walmart SuperCenter 2117
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2001
Address :
1575 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Zoomy's Los Banos
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/2/2016
Address :
140 W Pacheco Blvd,
Los Banos, CA 93635.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Los Banos, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Los Banos, 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos, 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.