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 Rafael, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in San Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in San Rafael, California
4th Street Shell 119
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2017
Address :
1833 4th St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 14132E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2015
Address :
80 Medway Rd,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 14146F
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/30/2015
Address :
292 N San Pedro Rd,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 14139
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2009
Address :
703 B St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Agricultural Institute of Marin Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 10/16/2007
Address :
Civic Center Dr & PeterBeahr Dr,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
Cardenas 216
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/8/2016
Address :
330 Bellam Blvd,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Circle K 2705784
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/27/2012
Address :
981 E Francisco Blvd,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 4952
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/2/2010
Address :
909 Grand Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9529
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2009
Address :
442 Las Gallinas Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
Dandys Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2013
Address :
100 El Prado Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 4724
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/19/2011
Address :
825 Francisco Blvd W,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Downtown San Rafael Mkt/Ag institute of Marin
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2019
Address :
1000 4th St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
FAMOUS MARKET & DELI
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2006
Address :
1492 Lincoln Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Grocery Outlet 459
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2020
Address :
75 Bellam Blvd,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Irwin Shell 117
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/24/2012
Address :
834 Irwin St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Jasmin Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/2021
Address :
307 3rd St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Lotus Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2021
Address :
805 5th Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Marin Farmers Market/Ag Institute of Marin
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2012
Address :
3501 Civic Center Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
MARIN SCOTTYS MARKET INC
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/1/2005
Address :
620 Manuel T Freitas Pkwy,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
Marinwood Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2011
Address :
155 Marinwood Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
Mi Rancho Market 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/4/2015
Address :
90 Belvedere St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
More For Less 4
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1998
Address :
141 Bellam Blvd,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Msb Enterprise, Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2019
Address :
93 Woodland Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Peru Groceries Distributor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2021
Address :
1522 4th St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Primetime Nutrition 527
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/7/2009
Address :
3225 Kerner Blvd,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5957
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2005
Address :
471 3rd St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5958
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2005
Address :
1500 Northgate Mall,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
Rollin Root/Ag Institute of Marin
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2018
Address :
400 Smith Ranch Rd,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 653
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
700 B St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 932
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
350 Las Gallinas Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
SANTA VENETIA MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/4/1996
Address :
71 San Pablo Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
SMART & FINAL 526
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/10/2005
Address :
935 Andersen Dr,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Smith Ranch Deli & Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/21/2012
Address :
101 Smith Ranch Road,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
Spouts Farmers Market 288
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/1/2015
Address :
655 Irwin St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Supermercado Mi Tierra Llc #6
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2006
Address :
175 Belvedere St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Target 2772
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2013
Address :
125 Shoreline Pkwy,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
TRADER JOE'S 61
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/16/2003
Address :
337 3rd St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
United Markets, Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
515 3rd St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Walgreens 13584
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/3/2010
Address :
155 Northgate One,
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Get Directions
WALGREENS 4625
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/25/1999
Address :
830 3rd St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10071
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/5/1997
Address :
340 3rd St,
San Rafael, CA 94901.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Rafael, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in San Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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.