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 Marcos, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in San Marcos, 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 Marcos, 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 Marcos, 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 Marcos, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in San Marcos, California
7 Eleven 33970
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/3/2010
Address :
405 N Twin Oaks Valley Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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7-eleven 18977
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/3/2010
Address :
578 E Mission Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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7-ELEVEN 33990 33990
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/2010
Address :
1693 MELROSE DR.,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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7-ELEVEN STORE 16054
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/17/2010
Address :
1650 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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7-Eleven Store 21142C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2015
Address :
1531 W Mission Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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7-eleven Store 33971b
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2017
Address :
696 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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7-eleven Store 39902a 39902A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/30/2019
Address :
801 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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99 Cents Only Stores 307
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2009
Address :
155 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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ALBERTSONS 708
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
151 Woodland Pkwy,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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ALBERTSONS 711
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
1929 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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Albertsons 750
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2008
Address :
1571 San Elijo Rd S,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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Asian 101 Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2017
Address :
853 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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Chevron 1835
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2015
Address :
1200 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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Corner Liquors
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2010
Address :
1660 Capalina Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Costco Wholesale 1080
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
725 Center Dr,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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CVS Pharmacy 7127
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/31/2010
Address :
1302 W Mission Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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CVS Pharmacy 8818
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2008
Address :
997 Woodland Pkwy,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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CVS Pharmacy 9166
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/16/2008
Address :
734 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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CVS Pharmacy 9558
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2009
Address :
320 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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CVS Pharmacy 9961
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2009
Address :
191 Woodland Pkwy,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Dollar Tree 6113
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/9/2015
Address :
1230 E Mission Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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El Mercado
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/5/2016
Address :
505 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Filipino Depot
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/16/2020
Address :
1001 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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G&M 141
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2021
Address :
130 Knoll Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Gourmet Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/1998
Address :
2966 S Santa Fe Ave,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Jacksons Food Stores 226
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/14/2021
Address :
679 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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Mama's Mini-mart
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2021
Address :
705 Center Drive,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Mission West Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2002
Address :
478 W Mission Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Mother Earth Nutrition
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/9/2012
Address :
208 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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MY GOODS MARKET 5250
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/2011
Address :
190 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Patron Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/17/2015
Address :
204 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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RALPHS 683
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2001
Address :
306 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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San Marcos
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2016
Address :
125 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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San Marcos Arco Am/pm
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/21/2021
Address :
125 N Rancho Santa Fe Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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San Marcos Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2006
Address :
500 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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San Marcos Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2018
Address :
261 Autumn Dr,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
Get Directions
San Marcos Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/16/2017
Address :
228 W Mission Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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SMART & FINAL 488
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/3/2002
Address :
770 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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Sprouts Farmers Market 203
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/9/2007
Address :
149 S Las Posas Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
Get Directions
STATER BROS. MARKETS 152
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/7/1991
Address :
1330 E Mission Rd,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
Get Directions
Store 6241
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/10/2019
Address :
679 W San Marcos Blvd,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
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Vesna's European Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2021
Address :
705 Center Dr,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
Get Directions
Walmart Store 3494
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2004
Address :
732 Center Dr,
San Marcos, CA 92069.
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WinCo Foods 134
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2015
Address :
555 Grand Ave,
San Marcos, CA 92078.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Marcos, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Marcos, 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 Marcos, 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 Marcos, 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 Marcos, 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.