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 Palm Desert, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Palm Desert, California
7-Eleven 22362F
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/24/2009
Address :
73800 Hwy 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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99 CENTS ONLY STORE 216
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2004
Address :
72845 1/ Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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99 Cents Only Store 338
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/27/2011
Address :
34660 Monterey Ave,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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ALBERTSONS 3559
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
74590 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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ALBERTSONS 567
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
42095 Washington St,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Aldi 79069
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/1/2016
Address :
72543 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Arco Am Pm
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/8/2017
Address :
73980 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Arco am/pm 42621
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2018
Address :
74950 Gerald Ford Dr,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Arco Ampm 42551
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/19/2019
Address :
78355 Varner Rd,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Bristol Farms 0019
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2011
Address :
73101 Country Club Dr,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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CARNICERIA ATOYAC MEAT MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2003
Address :
73850 Highway 111 Ste E,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Certified Farmers Market Palm Desert
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2012
Address :
72-559 US Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Chevron 1858
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2015
Address :
72801 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Circle K
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2019
Address :
44775 San Pablo Ave,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Circle K 2720321
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
45200 Portola Ave,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Circle K 2729424
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/12/2011
Address :
79-005 Country Club Drive,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Circle K 2729481
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2017
Address :
75-000 Gerald Ford Dr,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Costco Wholesale 0441
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
72800 Dinah Shore Dr,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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CVS Pharmacy 9646
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2008
Address :
42155 Washington St,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Dollar Tree 2022
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/14/2008
Address :
42245 Washington St,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Dollar Tree 4620
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2011
Address :
72630 Dinah Shore Dr,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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DOLLARTREE 8641
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2021
Address :
72240 Hwy 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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G&M 145
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
78415 Varner Rd,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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JENSENS FINEST FOOD
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/23/1984
Address :
73601 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Ralphs Fresh Fare 27
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/24/1994
Address :
74884 Country Club Dr,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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RITE AID 5681
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2004
Address :
72875 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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RITE AID 5682
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2004
Address :
74958 Country Club Dr,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Rite Aid 6461
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2007
Address :
39155 Washington St,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Sam's Club 6609
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/14/2009
Address :
34220 Monterey Ave,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Smart & Final 944
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/30/2016
Address :
72675 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Stater Bros. Markets 181
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/10/2007
Address :
78210 Varner Rd,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Store 6400
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/12/2019
Address :
72300 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Target Store T-0940
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/11/2009
Address :
72549 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Tower Market 917
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2017
Address :
73801 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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TRADER JOE'S 3
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2003
Address :
44250 Town Center Way Ste C6,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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University Village Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/31/2020
Address :
36957 Cook St,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Walgreens 04756
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/22/2007
Address :
44840 Monterey Ave,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Walgreens 10242
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2007
Address :
78218 Varner Rd,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Walmart Neighborhood Market 3026
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/22/2013
Address :
72314 Highway 111,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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Walmart SuperCenter 5096
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2006
Address :
34500 Monterey Ave,
Palm Desert, CA 92211.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10359
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/5/2014
Address :
44-459 Town Center Way,
Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Palm Desert, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, 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.