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 Merced, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Merced, 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 Merced, 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 Merced, 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 Merced, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Merced, California
7 Eleven 2368- 37949A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2017
Address :
1975 E Childs Ave,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
7 Eleven 37974a 37974A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2019
Address :
1107 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 18601G
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/6/2014
Address :
1810 R St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
7 Star Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/11/2020
Address :
1230 Martin Luther King Jr Way,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
7-ELEVEN (NAWABI) 16459 E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/19/2004
Address :
2255 E Gerard Ave,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 06673F
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/31/2008
Address :
1107 Loughborough Dr,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 14110G
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2013
Address :
77 E Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 2710 37974H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/7/2016
Address :
1107 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
99 CENTS ONLY STORES 151
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/19/2002
Address :
1111 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
A&M MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/12/1990
Address :
402 W 23rd St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Adels Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/26/2011
Address :
331 S State Highway 59,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Amar Grocery Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/16/2019
Address :
1277 V St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Amigos Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2015
Address :
645 W 11th St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Arco Ampm 7071
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/1/2018
Address :
2070 E Childs Ave,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Arco Ampm 7124
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2020
Address :
810 S. Coffee St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Arco AMPM 82723
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2021
Address :
3100 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Baby Shop 6
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2017
Address :
1225 W Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Bernie's Liquor & Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/22/1999
Address :
2232 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
BEST BUY MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/12/1991
Address :
1220 W 9th St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
BI-RITE LIQUOR
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/8/1998
Address :
1103 MARTIN LUTHER KING JUNIOR WY,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Big Lots 4283
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/4/2014
Address :
665 Fairfield Dr,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
California Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1122 R St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Cardenas 223
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/5/2018
Address :
1136 W Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
CARNICERIA 3 HERMANOS
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 5/30/2001
Address :
1055 W Childs Ave,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Carniceria Dos Gallos 1
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 8/4/2021
Address :
1122 R St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Carniceria El Cerrito
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 3/23/2015
Address :
235 W 12th St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Carniceria La Vaquita
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 2/27/2020
Address :
1103 Martin Luther King Jr Way,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Carniceria Rio Grande
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2009
Address :
1220 W 9th St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Carniceria Superior
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2017
Address :
1725 W Highway 140,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Century Chevron Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/24/2014
Address :
655 E Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
CHANGARRITO VILLA DEH ETLA
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/29/2005
Address :
850 W Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Choice Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2021
Address :
836 T St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
CIRCLE G MINI MART
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2014
Address :
3250 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Circle R Minimart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/20/2021
Address :
1210 R St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 0142
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
1445 R St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 7206
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2009
Address :
1970 Yosemite Pkwy,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy CVS09623
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/26/2017
Address :
649 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Dollar General Market 13358
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/26/2012
Address :
1729 W State Highway 140,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 1222
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/4/2008
Address :
1218 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 6389
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/9/2016
Address :
3142 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
DOLLARTREE 8582
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/3/2020
Address :
1778 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
El Bajio Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/20/2020
Address :
1010 W 16th St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Eltareb Market 3
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/20/1996
Address :
561 W 8th St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 10805
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/31/2014
Address :
38 W 16th St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 11163
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/20/2014
Address :
1715 Yosemite Pkwy,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Fast N Esy 27
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/7/2018
Address :
1720 R St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Food 4 Less
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/29/1993
Address :
1115 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Food Center
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/28/1994
Address :
1150 Martin Luther King Jr Way,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Food Maxx 487
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/26/1997
Address :
1300 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Gateway Pizza & Subs
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 6/10/2009
Address :
1220 V St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Grocery Outlet Of Merced 339
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/18/2020
Address :
1125 W Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Jessi' S Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/20/2019
Address :
110 E 13th St,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Lees Merced Community Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/26/2007
Address :
37 E 15th St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
M & A MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/20/2005
Address :
2980 Beachwood Dr,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Main Street Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2021
Address :
211 W Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Make Someone Happy
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 4/29/2019
Address :
2862 St Bonaventure Dr,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Mel's Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/17/2013
Address :
1220 V Street,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Merced Cigarettes & Groceries
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/5/2014
Address :
202 W 18th St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Merced Circle-K 2655805
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2017
Address :
2104 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Merced Fuel & Food
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/2/2015
Address :
190 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Merced Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/3/2018
Address :
550 E Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Merced Quick N Save
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/10/2019
Address :
3990 E State Highway 140,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Nuevo Vallarta Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/14/2020
Address :
45 E 16th St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Off The Wall Smoke Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/20/2016
Address :
1459 Martin Luther King Jr Way,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Panaderia Guadalajara 2
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/27/2009
Address :
1339 W 18th St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
PANADERIA OLMOS
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 11/30/1993
Address :
47 E 16th St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys Pizza
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 1/13/2007
Address :
220 E Yosemite Ave,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Primetime Nutrition 543
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2010
Address :
405 Lesher Dr,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
R ST TEXACO
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/25/2006
Address :
1415 R St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
RALEY'S 309
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/27/1990
Address :
3550 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Rancho San Miguel 23
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/5/2007
Address :
1930 Yosemite Pkwy,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Richwood Meat Company
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/22/2021
Address :
2751 N Santa Fe Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
RITE AID 6006
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/23/2004
Address :
1158 W Main St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
RITE AID 6007
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/23/2004
Address :
3142 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Satpal & Sons Inc 8
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/15/1997
Address :
1460 Yosemite Pkwy,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
SAVE MART 53
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/26/1984
Address :
150 W Olive Ave,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
SAVE MORE MARKET, INC.
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/28/2011
Address :
2030 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
SHOP-N-SAVE MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/1997
Address :
1055 W Childs Ave,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
SMART & FINAL 385
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2003
Address :
1425 MARTIN L KING BLVD,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Target Store T-0641
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2006
Address :
3280 R St,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
U SAVE LIQUOR
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/18/2006
Address :
1846 Yosemite Pkwy,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Village Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/11/2020
Address :
2939 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Walgreens 3330
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/6/1994
Address :
1640 R St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Walgreens 4415
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/30/1998
Address :
3098 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Walmart Store 2039
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2001
Address :
3055 Loughborough Dr,
Merced, CA 95348.
Get Directions
Yosemite Valley Beef Packing Company, Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 6/8/2021
Address :
970 E Sandy Mush Rd,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Zoomy's Merced G St
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/10/2016
Address :
3006 G St,
Merced, CA 95340.
Get Directions
Zoomy's Yosemite
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/6/2016
Address :
1400 Yosemite Pkwy,
Merced, CA 95341.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Merced, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Merced, 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 Merced, 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 Merced, 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 Merced, 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.