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 Palo Alto, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Palo Alto, California
7 Eleven 2236-14315g 14315G
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/10/2012
Address :
708 Colorado Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
7 Eleven 2366 18584E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/2/2016
Address :
401 Waverley St,
Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Get Directions
7-ELEVEN 14336 E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
77 Newell Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
Barron Park Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/13/2009
Address :
3876 El Camino Real,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
California Avenue Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 2/28/2015
Address :
California Avenue,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
Cardenas 215
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/8/2016
Address :
1731 E Bayshore Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
Carniceria Rodriguez
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 1/6/2014
Address :
2398 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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Charlies Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/26/2015
Address :
1441 E Bayshore Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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COUNTRY SUN NATURAL FOODS
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
440 S California Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
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Country Time Market, LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2018
Address :
2200 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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Crossroads Specialty Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/4/2021
Address :
720 San Antonio Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 3935
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2009
Address :
855 El Camino Real,
Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9915
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/6/2009
Address :
352 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9984
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2009
Address :
2701 Middlefield Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 10/11/2019
Address :
601 Gilman St,
Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Get Directions
East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 4/17/2018
Address :
1885 Bay Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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Garden Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/20/2020
Address :
1933 Pulgas Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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Grocery Outlet of Palo Alto
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2015
Address :
3445 Alma St,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
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La Estrellita Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/25/1998
Address :
2381 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
LA TIENDITA
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/14/2010
Address :
510 Oconnor St,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
MOLLIE STONE'S MARKETS
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/12/1987
Address :
164 S California Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
Oakwood Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/15/2015
Address :
2106 Oakwood Dr,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
One Stop Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2019
Address :
1493 E Bayshore Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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PAL MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2006
Address :
2398 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
Rainer's Tire Service
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2020
Address :
1905 E Bayshore Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
Real Produce International Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/21/2021
Address :
501 Oxford Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 1682
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
2811 Middlefield Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
Target 3265
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/4/2017
Address :
1775 E Bayshore Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Get Directions
The Market At Edgewood
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2017
Address :
2170 W Bayshore Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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Trader Joes 207
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/4/2009
Address :
855 El Camino Real,
Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Get Directions
Va Palo Alto
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 2/15/2018
Address :
3801 Miranda Ave.,
Palo Alto, CA 94304.
Get Directions
Walgreens 06869
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/10/2009
Address :
2605 Middlefield Rd,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
Walgreens 13596
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/20/2010
Address :
300 University Ave,
Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Get Directions
Walgreens 3344
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/10/1997
Address :
4170 El Camino Real,
Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10005
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/3/1989
Address :
774 Emerson St,
Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Palo Alto, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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.