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 San Luis Obispo, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in San Luis Obispo, California
7 Eleven Store 21006 E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2016
Address :
1301 Monterey St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 27835 D
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2017
Address :
692 Marsh St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 25115B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/26/2011
Address :
552 California Blvd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
99 Cent Only Store 401
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/15/2014
Address :
1308 Madonna Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
Cal Poly Campus Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2019
Address :
1 Grand Ave,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.
Get Directions
California Fresh Market Slo
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2016
Address :
771 E Foothill Blvd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
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Chevron 1970
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2015
Address :
3180 Broad St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
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Chevron 1976
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/17/2015
Address :
151 N Santa Rosa St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
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Costco Wholesale 0741
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
1540 Froom Ranch Way,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
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Crossroad Liquor & Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/16/2011
Address :
3211 Broad St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9345
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2009
Address :
717 Marsh St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
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CVS Pharmacy 9662
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2008
Address :
3960 Broad St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
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CVS Pharmacy 9873
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/6/2009
Address :
1300 Madonna Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 4409
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/25/2010
Address :
491 Madonna Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
DOLLARTREE 1485
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2018
Address :
2238 Broad St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
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Downtown Slo Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2021
Address :
839 Higuera St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Food 4 Less 11
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/22/1998
Address :
3985 S Higuera St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Grocery Outlet Of San Luis Obispo 254
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2017
Address :
1314 Madonna Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
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Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins SL
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2016
Address :
896 E Foothill Blvd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
Laurel Lane Market And Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2021
Address :
1291 Laurel Ln,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Market Grand Avenue
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/26/2021
Address :
1 Grand Avenue,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.
Get Directions
Moller Retail, Inc. 6103
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/10/2018
Address :
254 Santa Rosa St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
Moller Retail, Inc. 6112
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/16/2018
Address :
2211 Broad St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
RALPHS 656
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2000
Address :
201 Madonna Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5820
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/10/2004
Address :
1251 Johnson Ave,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Rite Aid 5822
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/26/2016
Address :
956 Foothill Blvd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
San Luis Oriental Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/12/2021
Address :
1255 Monterey St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Sandys Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2012
Address :
586 Hiquera St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Slo Beverage N More Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2014
Address :
158 Higuera St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Slo Food Co-op
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/24/2019
Address :
2494 Victoria Ave,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Smart & Final 913
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/9/2016
Address :
1321 Johnson Ave,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Sprouts Farmers Market 427
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/13/2019
Address :
313 Madonna Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
Target Store T-2759
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2011
Address :
11990 Los Osos Valley Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
TRADER JOE'S 41
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/16/2003
Address :
3977 S Higuera St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
VONS 2306
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/16/1997
Address :
3900 Broad St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10584
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/24/2014
Address :
1531 Froom Ranch Way,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Luis Obispo, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, 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.