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 Mateo, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in San Mateo, California
25th Ave. Certified Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 2/14/2018
Address :
194 W 25th Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
7 Eleven 14319B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2015
Address :
11 Laurie Meadows Dr,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
7 Eleven 20305C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/23/2013
Address :
600 E 3rd Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
99 Ranch Market 82
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/1/2004
Address :
1070 Foster City Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94404.
Get Directions
Aladdin Gourmet
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/3/2016
Address :
208 E Hillsdale Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Ayala Produce Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2020
Address :
175 W 25th Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Barragan Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/22/2019
Address :
1519 S Claremont St,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
Chavez Supermarket 10
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/31/2015
Address :
500 S Norfolk St,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 0147
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
1001 Metro Center Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94404.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9554
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/29/2009
Address :
77 Bovet Rd,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9833
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2009
Address :
4242 S El Camino Real,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9879
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2009
Address :
987 E Hillsdale Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94404.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9940
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2009
Address :
872 N Delaware St,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9977
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2010
Address :
124 De Anza Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
Dean's Produce
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/30/2013
Address :
44 E 4th Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
El Toro Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/13/2021
Address :
142 N B St,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
Fiesta Latina
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/14/2008
Address :
1424 Cary Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
India Grocery & Spice
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2021
Address :
218 E Hillsdale Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Islanders Meat & Groceries
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/25/2010
Address :
1620 Palm Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
La Hacienda Super Mercado
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/3/2000
Address :
201 N Amphlett Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
Liquor & Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/9/2011
Address :
91 37th Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Lucky 710
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/30/1990
Address :
919 Edgewater Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94404.
Get Directions
Marina Food
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/13/2015
Address :
2992 S Norfolk St,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Marina Liquors
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2014
Address :
2996 S Norfolk St,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Market La Raza
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/4/2007
Address :
380 N Ellsworth Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
Mi Rancho Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2018
Address :
80 N B St,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
MOLLIE STONE'S MARKETS
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/15/2001
Address :
49 42nd Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Mosaic Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/28/2021
Address :
9 37th Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Neelam Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/7/2020
Address :
322 Tilton Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
Prima Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2015
Address :
3 N Kingston St,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5902
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2005
Address :
666 Concar Dr,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5903
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2005
Address :
1320 W Hillsdale Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Rocket 5622
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/21/2021
Address :
2800 S El Camino Real,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 639
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
100 Crystal Springs Ctr,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 694
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
860 N Delaware St,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 970
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/22/1983
Address :
1655 S El Camino Real,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 999
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/11/1986
Address :
921 E Hillsdale Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94404.
Get Directions
San Mateo Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 8/3/2012
Address :
1700 West Hillsdale Blvd.,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
Shoreview Liqours
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2013
Address :
420 S Norfolk St,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
SMART & FINAL 453
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/1997
Address :
1840 S Norfolk St,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Target Store T-1122
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/26/2006
Address :
2220 Bridgepointe Pkwy,
San Mateo, CA 94404.
Get Directions
TRADER JOE'S 67
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/17/2003
Address :
1820 S Grant St,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
Get Directions
Trader Joes 245
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/2/2009
Address :
45 W Hillsdale Blvd,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Walgreens 03296
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/19/1997
Address :
191 E 3rd Ave,
San Mateo, CA 94401.
Get Directions
Walgreens 05006
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/10/2009
Address :
4070 S El Camino Real,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10150
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/12/2002
Address :
1010 Park Pl,
San Mateo, CA 94403.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Mateo, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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.