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 Monica, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Santa Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Santa Monica, California
7 Eleven Store 19651 C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/28/2019
Address :
1600 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 18839D, Nomojo Enterprises Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/2016
Address :
630 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 39022A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/6/2013
Address :
1865 Lincoln Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Get Directions
99 CENTS ONLY STORES 35
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/4/1998
Address :
2801 Pico Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
Arco 82970
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/3/2014
Address :
332 Pico Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
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BOB'S MARKET #3
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1650 Ocean Park Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
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Bristol Farms 21
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2013
Address :
3105 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
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Co Opportunity Market
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/10/2021
Address :
1525 Broadway,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
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CVS Pharmacy 11178
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/27/2019
Address :
500 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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CVS Pharmacy 3903
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2009
Address :
3202 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
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CVS Pharmacy 9608
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
2505 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 9726
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2008
Address :
1411 Lincoln Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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ED'S LIQUOR STORE
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/9/1997
Address :
825 Pico Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
Gelson's Market 29
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2016
Address :
2627 Lincoln Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
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Indo-Asian Foods Convenience Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/24/2021
Address :
1713 Pico Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
One Stop Shop Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/25/2013
Address :
314 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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Ralphs Fresh Fare 292
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/22/1996
Address :
1644 Cloverfield Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5488
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2005
Address :
1331 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5489
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2005
Address :
1808 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5490
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2005
Address :
2412 Pico Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
SANTA MONICA CERTIFIED FRMRS MKT
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
ARIZONA AVE AT 2ND ST,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Get Directions
Santa Monica Farmers Market - Sat
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2012
Address :
Arizona Avenue,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Get Directions
Santa Monica Farmers Market - Sun
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2012
Address :
2640 Main St,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
Santa Monica Farmers Market - VAP-Pico
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2012
Address :
2200 Virginia Ave,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Get Directions
Surf Liquor & Wine
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/13/2019
Address :
2522 Main St,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
Target Store T3338
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/25/2020
Address :
1610 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
Target Store T3344
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/10/2021
Address :
420 Broadway,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Get Directions
Tehran Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2021
Address :
1417 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
TRADER JOE'S 253
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2019
Address :
2300 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
TRADER JOE'S 6
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/1/1999
Address :
3212 Pico Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
Trimana Fresh Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2021
Address :
1348 3rd Street Promenade,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Get Directions
VONS 2002
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1311 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
VONS 2231
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/28/1988
Address :
820 Montana Ave,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
VONS 2262
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/3/1995
Address :
710 Broadway,
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Get Directions
Walgreens 05526
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/17/2007
Address :
1932 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
Walgreens 12720
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/25/2014
Address :
1911 Lincoln Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10173
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/10/2003
Address :
2201 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10398
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/13/1996
Address :
1425 Montana Ave,
Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10653
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/28/2017
Address :
2121 Cloverfield Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Santa Monica, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Santa Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, 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.