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 East Chicago, Indiana families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in East Chicago, Indiana, 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 East Chicago, Indiana, 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 East Chicago, Indiana, 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 East Chicago, Indiana:
Stores Accept WIC Card in East Chicago, Indiana
BP Gas
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/27/2013
Address :
819 E Chicago Ave,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Broadway Food Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/1/1978
Address :
1605 Broadway St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Carniceria La Chiquita Grocery Store Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/26/2015
Address :
4301 Indianapolis Blvd,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Columbus Mobil
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/2/2014
Address :
2220 Columbus Dr.,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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CVS Pharmacy 10936
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/11/2017
Address :
2106 Broadway St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Dev Petroleum Inc T/A Citgo
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2017
Address :
1312 W Chicago Ave,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Dollar General 11782
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2010
Address :
1015 W Chicago Ave,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Dollar General Store 13140
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2011
Address :
1405 E Columbus Dr,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Dollar Tree 5895
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2015
Address :
4624 Magoun Ave,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
East Chicago Fresh Meats & Produce
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/19/2003
Address :
3940 Main St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
El Charro
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/15/2019
Address :
4926 Kennedy Ave,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Family Dollar 6873
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/19/2007
Address :
4020 Main St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Fuel Stop Quick Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/23/2019
Address :
1205 W Chicago Ave,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
FUERTE MEAT MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/21/2002
Address :
1820 Broadway St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Golo Gas And Food gasstation
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2016
Address :
1402 Carroll St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Gordita Los Tres Metates
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/6/2021
Address :
502 W 151st St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Harbor Meat Market Inc 1
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2015
Address :
3830 Guthrie St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
La Mexicana Grocery Store
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/19/2019
Address :
616 W Chicago Ave,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
LA RANCHERITA BAKERY
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/30/1997
Address :
3811 Main St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Lukes 220
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2021
Address :
5695 Indianapolis Blvd,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Michael's Convenient Store Ec Llc 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2018
Address :
1219 W 150th St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Mnr Mini Mart Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2021
Address :
809 W Columbus Dr,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Mr Food 2 Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/22/2014
Address :
4401 Indianapolis Blvd,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Raceco
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/1/2010
Address :
4502 Indianapolis Blvd,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Speedway 6700
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/8/2010
Address :
3956 Guthrie St,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Strack & Van Til 8798
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/30/2008
Address :
4725 Indianapolis Blvd,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10529
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/2/1987
Address :
2123 E Columbus Dr,
East Chicago, IN 46312.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in East Chicago, Indiana
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in East Chicago, Indiana:
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 Indiana
| 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 East Chicago, Indiana?
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 East Chicago, Indiana?
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 East Chicago, Indiana.
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.