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 Merrillville, Indiana families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, Indiana:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Merrillville, Indiana
Aladdin Pita Restaurant & Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/14/2001
Address :
3750 W 80th Ln,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
ALDI 62074 62074
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/21/1995
Address :
10 W 81st St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Allstar
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/18/2019
Address :
5208 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Barbara's Cupcakes Creations And Cakes
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/11/2020
Address :
5284 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Baums Natural Foods Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/2017
Address :
403 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Big Lots 5381
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/13/2015
Address :
3201 E Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Broadway Produce
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/17/2021
Address :
8201 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 0370
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
1310 E 79th Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
CVS 6917
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/1/2001
Address :
5301 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
CVS 10176
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2016
Address :
10 E 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL 10346
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/19/2006
Address :
9269 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL 7563
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2004
Address :
6161 Cleveland St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
DOLLAR TREE 2466
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2006
Address :
295 W Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
DOLLAR TREE 6159
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/10/2016
Address :
5840 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
El Pueblito Carnes Y Vegetables LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2013
Address :
6635 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 2042
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2009
Address :
5400 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 4459
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2009
Address :
7241 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 7334
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2009
Address :
6150 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Family Express 57
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/3/2011
Address :
10099 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Fishermen's Island Seafood Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2020
Address :
429 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Golo 61st
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/4/2011
Address :
6085 Cleveland Cir,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Gordon Food Service Store LLC MP 025
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/1/1989
Address :
1601 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Kroger 345
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2015
Address :
6110 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Lake County Eats Local/ Legacy Foundation
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 4/30/2019
Address :
370 E 84th Dr,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Lukes 230
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2021
Address :
721 W. Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Lukes 273
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2020
Address :
7277 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Lukes 293
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2020
Address :
9297 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Manoli's Busy Bee
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2013
Address :
15 W 80th Pl,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Marathon
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2019
Address :
7269 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Meijer Gas Station 165
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/5/2020
Address :
505 W Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Meijer Inc 165
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/31/1998
Address :
611 US 30,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Mobil
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2018
Address :
6851 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
One Stop Shop On Cleveland Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/2021
Address :
5695 Cleveland St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Prince LLC Save
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2010
Address :
800 W 61st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 8174
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2009
Address :
3134 E 79th Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Save-A-Lot Food Store 45048
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2015
Address :
5420 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedmart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/11/2016
Address :
5689 Harrison St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 1426
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2012
Address :
6325 E Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 6676
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2012
Address :
3200 E 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 6688
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2018
Address :
9299 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 7435
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/23/2012
Address :
3990 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 7523
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/11/2013
Address :
1 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 7553
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/4/2013
Address :
98 W 73rd Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Strack & Van Til 8781
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/22/1993
Address :
6001 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Supermercado Mi Poblanita
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/1/2020
Address :
7895 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Target Store 870
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/19/2005
Address :
2661 E US Highway 30,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Triple S Save
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2012
Address :
7510 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Uma Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2020
Address :
283 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Unique Business Venture Llc/ Golo
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2018
Address :
5285 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
WALGREEN'S 6906
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/13/1993
Address :
6097 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
WALGREENS 4750
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/17/1999
Address :
400 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Walmart 1618
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2002
Address :
2936 E 79th Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Merrillville, Indiana
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, 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.