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 Altoona, Iowa families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Altoona, Iowa, 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 Altoona, Iowa, 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 Altoona, Iowa, 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 Altoona, Iowa:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Altoona, Iowa
ALDI 72110
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/5/2021
Address :
611 34th Ave SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Altoona Fast and Fresh 7505
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/30/2019
Address :
3950 Prairie Fire NW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Casey's General Store 1938
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/19/1996
Address :
3348 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Casey's General Store 2916
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/2011
Address :
170 36th Ave SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Casey's General Store 3789
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2019
Address :
2480 1st Ave S,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Caseys General Store 006
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
407 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Caseys General Store 2870
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/12/2010
Address :
1419 1st Ave N,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Dollar General 7234
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2004
Address :
701 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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DOLLARTREE 7830
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/3/2020
Address :
501 34th Ave SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Fareway Stores Inc 925
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/13/1992
Address :
620 8th St SE,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Git-N-Go 17
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/5/1988
Address :
2221 Adventureland Dr,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Hy-Vee Food Store 1011
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
108 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Hy-Vee Gas 5011
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/25/2009
Address :
102 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Kum & Go 184
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2017
Address :
1430 1st Ave North,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Kwik Star 932
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2018
Address :
120 Adventureland Dr NE,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Murphy USA 7776
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2020
Address :
3405 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Papa Murphy's Pizza IA035
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2015
Address :
3418 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Pilot Travel Center 913
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2017
Address :
3231 Adventureland Dr,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Super Stop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/2/2020
Address :
2635 Adventureland Dr,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Target Stores T- 1939
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/17/2006
Address :
3414 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Walgreens 09791
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/18/2006
Address :
101 8th St SE,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Walmart SC 2764
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/24/2000
Address :
3501 8th St SW,
Altoona, IA 50009.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Altoona, Iowa
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Altoona, Iowa:
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 Iowa
| 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 Altoona, Iowa?
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 Altoona, Iowa?
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 Altoona, Iowa.
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.