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 Meridian, Idaho families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Meridian, Idaho, 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 Meridian, Idaho, 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 Meridian, Idaho, 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 Meridian, Idaho:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Meridian, Idaho
ALBERTSONS 164
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
20 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
ALBERTSONS 180
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
3301 W Cherry Ln,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Albertsons 3065
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2021
Address :
4657 S Eagle Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Big Lots 1922
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2014
Address :
100 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Boise Coop - Village
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/4/2015
Address :
2350 N Eagle Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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Costco Wholesale 1343
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2020
Address :
3403 W Chinden Blvd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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Dollar Tree 2667
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/16/2007
Address :
3701 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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DOLLARTREE 7128
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/13/2017
Address :
6259 N Linder Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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European Delicatessen Food 4
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/31/2017
Address :
950 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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FRED MEYER 198
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/5/1996
Address :
1850 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Fred Meyer 685
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/24/2012
Address :
1400 W Chinden Blvd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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Jackson Food Store 167
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/11/2017
Address :
750 N Ten Mile Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Store 166
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/11/2017
Address :
1745 E Overland Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Store 168
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/11/2017
Address :
770 W Ustick Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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JACKSONS FOOD STORES 056
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/1999
Address :
66 E State Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 011
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2008
Address :
1585 S Meridian Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 035
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/7/2005
Address :
522 W Cherry Ln,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 105
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2009
Address :
3291 E Pine Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 118
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/21/2009
Address :
1651 W Franklin Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 140
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/21/2009
Address :
3010 E Goldstone Dr,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 170
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2020
Address :
4870 N Ten Mile Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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Jacksons Food Stores 97
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2009
Address :
3100 E Magic View Dr,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 98
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/21/2009
Address :
1950 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Jacksons Food Stores 99
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2009
Address :
180 E Central Dr,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Market Street 3195
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/15/2019
Address :
3499 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Maverik 563
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2017
Address :
57 E Franklin Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Maverik, Inc 233
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/11/2005
Address :
1605 W Cherry Ln,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Maverik, Inc 343
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/11/2005
Address :
1540 E Overland Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Maverik, Inc 410
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/13/2010
Address :
1630 E McMillan Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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Maverik, Inc 615
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2019
Address :
1515 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Maverik, Inc. 405
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2014
Address :
3202 W Ustick Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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Meridian Main Street Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2020
Address :
33 E Broadway Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Papa Murphy's Pizza ID033
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/11/2014
Address :
3015 W McMillan Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
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Papa Murphys 028
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 12/26/2019
Address :
1330 E Fairview Avenue,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys ID020
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 1/6/2020
Address :
3317 W Cherry Ln,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5412
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/1/2005
Address :
1600 N Main St,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Rite Aid 6779
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/10/2016
Address :
3250 S Eagle Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Schwans Home Service 108500
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 3/30/1983
Address :
1239 E Kalispell St,
Meridian, ID 83642.
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Stinker Store 117
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/8/2016
Address :
1410 W McMillan Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
Get Directions
Stinker Stores Inc 119
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/10/2017
Address :
4849 N Meridan Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
Get Directions
TRADER JOE'S 361
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2019
Address :
2986 N Eagle Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10197
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2006
Address :
3150 W Cherry Ln,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10604
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/7/2008
Address :
1625 S Meridian Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Walgreens 11452
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2008
Address :
3263 N Eagle Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
Get Directions
Walgreens 11687
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/15/2009
Address :
4850 N Linder Rd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
Get Directions
Walgreens 6200
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/29/2001
Address :
1570 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Walmart SuperCenter 2862
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/22/2001
Address :
4051 E Fairview Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Walmart SuperCenter 3093
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/28/2013
Address :
795 W Overland Rd,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 5841
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2014
Address :
5001 N Ten Mile,
Meridian, ID 83646.
Get Directions
WINCO FOODS 048
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2000
Address :
1050 S Progress Ave,
Meridian, ID 83642.
Get Directions
WinCo Foods 167
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/24/2021
Address :
1407 W Chinden Blvd,
Meridian, ID 83646.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Meridian, Idaho
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Meridian, Idaho:
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 Idaho
| 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 Meridian, Idaho?
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 Meridian, Idaho?
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 Meridian, Idaho.
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.