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 Fort Dodge, Iowa families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, Iowa:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Aldi Inc 59
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/4/1993
Address :
2736 1st Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Casey's General Store 2014
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/23/1997
Address :
2206 2nd Ave N,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Casey's General Store 2211
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/12/1999
Address :
2007 N 15th St,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Casey's General Store 2686
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/23/2008
Address :
3327 5th Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Casey's General Store 2813
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/1986
Address :
1230 3rd Ave NW,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Caseys General Store 1277
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/1986
Address :
1320 A St W,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Caseys General Store 1280
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/1986
Address :
1133 S 22nd St,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Caseys General Store 2891
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2010
Address :
235 Avenue O,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Coalville Stop-N-Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/23/2011
Address :
23930 Boies St,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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CVS 10282
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2013
Address :
2029 5th Ave South,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Dales Corner Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2011
Address :
231 5th Ave N,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Dollar General 2839
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2004
Address :
1810 1st Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Dollar Tree Store 2726
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/30/2012
Address :
3019 1st Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Family Dollar 5145
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/28/2009
Address :
21 S 15th St,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Fareway Stores Inc 508
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1231 1st Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Hy-Vee Food & Drugtown 1192
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
115 S 29th St,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Kwik Star 509
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2018
Address :
3121 5th Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Kwik Star 927
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2018
Address :
1606 S Triton Dr,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Murphy USA 6538
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2021
Address :
3010 1st Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Papa Murphys IA023
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 10/31/2012
Address :
2813 5th Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Star Convenience
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/15/2020
Address :
115 N 22nd St,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Target Stores T- 0878
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/10/2006
Address :
2910 1st Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Tobacco Outlet Plus Grocery 116
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/8/2017
Address :
201 N 15th St,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Walgreens 5361
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/22/1996
Address :
2503 5th Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Walmart SC 886
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/17/1998
Address :
3036 1st Ave S,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, 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.