WIC Stores in Santa Cruz, California

If you are pregnant, a new parent, or caring for a young child in Santa Cruz, California, this guide explains what WIC is, how it works, and how to find a store.

Jump to: What is WIC? | Eligibility | How to apply | Income limits | FAQs

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 families in Santa Cruz, California 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. WIC uses 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, and you may automatically qualify on income if you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF.

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 list of state WIC agency contacts or your state’s WIC 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 your WIC benefits: If you are eligible, you will receive WIC benefits, usually on a WIC card, 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

Each state authorizes its own WIC stores, so acceptance varies. Read our guides to what to check at various stores in Santa Cruz, California:

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 card: Make sure to bring your WIC card or other WIC benefits 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

WIC Income Limits in California

These federal limits are 185% of the poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, D.C., Guam and U.S. territories, in effect from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Your WIC agency decides whether you qualify, and you must also meet the other requirements. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement.

Source: USDA WIC income eligibility guidelines, Federal Register, April 29, 2026.

Federal Poverty Limit in California

WIC uses a limit of 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, which falls between the two columns below. The WIC limits above show the amounts. For the official notice, see the USDA WIC income guidelines. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement.