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 Watsonville, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Watsonville, California
32 Enterprises Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/14/2019
Address :
1597 Freedom Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
7 Eleven Store 2368 39689A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/7/2014
Address :
1455 Freedom Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
7-ELEVEN #20608 B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
455 Airport Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
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7-Eleven 17296 17296
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/13/2009
Address :
261 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
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7-eleven 236832323
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2012
Address :
1461 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
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Aldamas Carniceria Y Marketa
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/22/2006
Address :
329 Rodriguez St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Arco Am/pm 83847
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2021
Address :
69 Lee Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Cardenas 206
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/8/2016
Address :
1437 Freedom Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
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CVS Pharmacy 3039
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2009
Address :
1966 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
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CVS Pharmacy 9796
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2009
Address :
490 Rodriguez St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
D La Colmena Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/25/2020
Address :
129 W Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 1519
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2008
Address :
1075 S Green Valley Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 5233
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/10/2014
Address :
1010 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
DON RAFAS INC
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/4/2004
Address :
50 W Riverside Dr,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
East Lake Food & Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2020
Address :
954 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
El Mercado
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2020
Address :
13001 Main Street,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
El Patio Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/7/2015
Address :
312 Playa Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
El Primo Produce
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/3/2018
Address :
129 E Beach St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
El Pueblo Food 11
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/4/2010
Address :
100 Union St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
EL VALLE PRODUCE
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/9/1994
Address :
530 Walker St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Express Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/6/2020
Address :
422 Salinas Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Food Maxx 486
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/24/1998
Address :
1465 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Freedom Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/7/2020
Address :
1428 Freedom Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Grenville Food And Gas
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/27/2015
Address :
298 Green Valley Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
HARVEST MOON MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/26/2001
Address :
518 Green Valley Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Hecker Pass Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/12/2013
Address :
3 Hecker Pass Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
J&D MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2003
Address :
226 E Riverside Dr,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Jessica's Grocery Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2018
Address :
475 Rodriguez St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
La Condesa Market Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2021
Address :
1079 S Green Valley Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
La Manzana Bakery
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2012
Address :
1262 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
LA PRINCESA MARKET 14
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/1/2004
Address :
1424 Freedom Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
La Princesa Market 5
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2021
Address :
1260 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
La Reina Mini Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2019
Address :
103 Railroad Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
LA ROSA MARKET & BAKERY
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/2/1978
Address :
142 2nd St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Lalo's Liquors
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/14/2020
Address :
338 Riverside Dr,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Las Lomas Market 1
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2017
Address :
182 Hall Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Mexico Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/1/1986
Address :
22 Porter Dr,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
NOB HILL FOODS 617
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/28/1982
Address :
1912 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Orchard Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/9/2008
Address :
2239 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Pajaro Food Center
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2001
Address :
307 Salinas Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Pajaro Valley Certified Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 3/6/2020
Address :
358 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Panaderia Tres Hermanos 2
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2013
Address :
1459 Freedom Blvd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Primetime 563
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/6/2013
Address :
27 W Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Quik Stop 9063
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/27/2017
Address :
2303 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Quik Stop Market 550077
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/5/2016
Address :
1 Porter Dr,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
R. E. Produce Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/28/2018
Address :
712 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Rebeca's Bakery
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2016
Address :
15 1st St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Royal Oaks Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/23/2018
Address :
12 Maher Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Santa Fe Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/21/2009
Address :
133 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Staff Of Life
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/19/2021
Address :
906 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Target Store T-1143
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2008
Address :
1415 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
VICKY'S PRODUCE
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2010
Address :
321 Rodriguez St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Vikhar Gas
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2021
Address :
676 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Watsonville Grocery Outlet 188
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/26/2010
Address :
1000 Main St,
Watsonville, CA 95076.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Watsonville, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, 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.