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 Santa Cruz, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Santa Cruz, California
7 Eleven 14279C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2015
Address :
367 Ocean St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
7 Eleven 14282b 14282B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2019
Address :
218 Cardiff Pl,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
7 Eleven 14294e 14294E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2021
Address :
1875 Soquel Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95065.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 29795C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/29/2018
Address :
2429 Mission St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 2710 38005H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/7/2016
Address :
1701 Capitola Rd,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 2710 38006H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/7/2016
Address :
2202 Mission St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Store 14280F
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/13/2009
Address :
3036 Portola Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
7-eleven Store 16346A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/6/2012
Address :
602 Laurel St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Beach Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/23/2016
Address :
120 Riverside Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Chevron 1720
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/17/2015
Address :
404 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 0149
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
220 Sylvania Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9331
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/29/2009
Address :
600 Front St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9332
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/29/2009
Address :
1700 Mission St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Del Pueblo Mkt
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/12/2021
Address :
2118 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
DJ's Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/11/2014
Address :
833 Water St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 3689
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/24/2008
Address :
21515 E Cliff Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
EL ROSAL BAKERY
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/7/2006
Address :
21513 E Cliff Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
ExtraMile 205
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/14/2021
Address :
2680 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
FOOD BIN INC
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/1993
Address :
1130 Mission St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Hernandez Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/9/2017
Address :
3790 Portola Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Hernandez Market II
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/9/2005
Address :
525 Laurel St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Live Oak Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 5/23/2013
Address :
15th and Eastcliff,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Live Oak Supermarket
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/3/2017
Address :
1668 Capitola Rd,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Mel's Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2019
Address :
2425 Soquel Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95065.
Get Directions
Mercado Santa Cruz
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/29/2018
Address :
341 Ocean St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Metropolitan Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/2014
Address :
920 Pacific Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
NLCM Westside Santa Cruz 1201
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/30/2014
Address :
1101 Fair Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
NLCM-Pacific 1203
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/4/1996
Address :
1134 Pacific Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Ocean Market & Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2010
Address :
304 Ocean St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Quality Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1999
Address :
221 Riverside Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Reyna's Produce
Store Details :
- Type: Fruits/Veg Specialty
- Authorization Date: 4/26/2013
Address :
236 Ocean St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5979
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/23/2004
Address :
901 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
S & C Chatha Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/21/2018
Address :
526 Seabright Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 799
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
117 Morrissey Blvd,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Safeway 2607
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/18/2009
Address :
2203 Mission St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Santa Cruz Community Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 9/3/1996
Address :
CEDAR & LINCOLN ST,
Santa Cruz, CA 95061.
Get Directions
Santa Cruz Grocery Outlet 257
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2015
Address :
120 Morrissey Blvd,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Shell P38 P38
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/10/2015
Address :
2700 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Shopper's Corner
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/14/2009
Address :
622 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Staff of Life
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1266 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Steve's Union Service
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/30/2015
Address :
1500 Soquel Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95065.
Get Directions
Trader Joe's 193
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2004
Address :
700 Front St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Walgreens 15108
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/21/2012
Address :
201 Front St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Walgreens 3158
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/21/1994
Address :
1718 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Westside Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 5/23/2013
Address :
Mission St and Western Dr,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10329
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/6/2009
Address :
911 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Santa Cruz, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, 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.