If you are pregnant, a new parent, or caring for a young child in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, this guide explains what WIC is, how it works, and how to find a store.
Jump to: What is WIC? | Eligibility | How to apply | Income limits | FAQs
Stores to Check for WIC in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
We list 12 stores to check in Rancho Santa Margarita. Each state authorizes its own WIC stores, and this list hasn’t been checked against your state’s WIC list, so it may include stores that don’t accept WIC. The date on a listing comes from our store records and isn’t a WIC approval date. Before you shop, confirm with the store or your state WIC agency.
Big Lots 4564
Address: 30501 Avenida De La Rancho, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 2/24/2014
Circle K 2709428
Address: 31521 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 1/23/2013
CVS Pharmacy 6770
Address: 22361 ANTONIO PKWY, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 9/27/2004
El Fenix Carniceria
Address: 29941 Aventura, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Small Grocery Store
Date on our store record: 3/2/2010
Ralphs Fresh Fare 78
Address: 31481 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Super Store
Date on our store record: 2/14/1989
RITE AID 5758
Address: 31541 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 1/10/2005
Store 6388
Address: 30144 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 6/10/2019
Target Store T-0914
Address: 30602 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Super Store
Date on our store record: 8/17/2005
TRADER JOE'S 27
Address: 30652 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Supermarket
Date on our store record: 9/15/2003
VONS 2217
Address: 22451 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Supermarket
Date on our store record: 3/18/1992
Walgreens 12916
Address: 30592 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 10/27/2009
Walmart Neighborhood Market 5600
Address: 30491 Avenida de Las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Get Directions
Type: Super Store
Date on our store record: 7/10/2012
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 families in Rancho Santa Margarita, California who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, California. WIC uses 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, and you may automatically qualify on income if you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF.
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 Rancho Santa Margarita, California, follow these steps:
1. Find a local WIC agency: Use the list of state WIC agency contacts or your state’s WIC 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 your WIC benefits: If you are eligible, you will receive WIC benefits, usually on a WIC card, 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
Each state authorizes its own WIC stores, so acceptance varies. Read our guides to what to check at various stores in Rancho Santa Margarita, California:
- Superstores (Walmart, Target, Kroger)
- Specialty stores
- Farmers markets
- Local food co-ops (All Stores)
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 card: Make sure to bring your WIC card or other WIC benefits 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 |
WIC Income Limits in California
These federal limits are 185% of the poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, D.C., Guam and U.S. territories, in effect from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Your WIC agency decides whether you qualify, and you must also meet the other requirements. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement.
| Household size | Yearly income limit | Monthly income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 |
| Each additional person | +$10,508 | +$876 |
Source: USDA WIC income eligibility guidelines, Federal Register, April 29, 2026.
Federal Poverty Limit in California
WIC uses a limit of 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, which falls between the two columns below. The WIC limits above show the amounts. For the official notice, see the USDA WIC income guidelines. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement.
| POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Persons in Family | Poverty Limit(100%) | Poverty Limit(200%) |
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $111,440 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person. | ||
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the income limit to qualify for WIC in Rancho Santa Margarita, California?
WIC uses a limit of 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, and the amount depends on household size. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement. See the WIC income limits and Federal Poverty Limit sections above and the USDA WIC income guidelines.
2. Can I apply for WIC if I am an undocumented immigrant?
Federal law does not limit WIC by immigration status, but states can set their own rules, so ask your local WIC clinic. A federal public charge rule took effect on September 18, 2026, and it does not clearly say whether WIC can be considered in some immigration decisions. If you are worried, talk to an immigration attorney or legal aid office before you apply.
3. How often can I visit a WIC store in Rancho Santa Margarita, California?
It depends on your benefit period. Your local WIC agency will explain when your benefits become available and when they expire.
4. Can I use my WIC benefits at any grocery store?
No, WIC benefits can only be used at WIC-approved stores in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Confirm with the store or your state WIC agency.
5. Can I use my WIC card in another state?
You cannot use one state’s WIC card in another state. However, if you relocate, you can go to the new state’s WIC agency to update your WIC card.
The new agency will verify your eligibility, and you can continue to receive benefits in the new state.
6. What should I do if I lose my WIC card or benefits?
If you lose your WIC card or benefits, contact your local WIC agency immediately to ask about a replacement.