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 Mason City, Iowa families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Mason City, 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 Mason City, 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 Mason City, 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 Mason City, Iowa:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Mason City, Iowa
Aldi Inc 47
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/7/1994
Address :
520 Village Green Dr SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Casey's General Store 1621
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/25/1991
Address :
610 S Monroe Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Casey's General Store 1893
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/9/1996
Address :
1607 S Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Casey's General Store 2437
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/17/2003
Address :
2701 19th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Casey's General Store 2458
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/16/2002
Address :
1361 12th St NW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Caseys General Store 019
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
813 N Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Dollar General 6730
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/3/2005
Address :
305 N Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Dollar Tree 2480
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2013
Address :
2560 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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DOLLARTREE 8598
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/7/2020
Address :
565 S Illinois Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Family Dollar 4844
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/28/2009
Address :
1510 N Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Fareway Stores Inc 491
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
400 N Delaware Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Hy-Vee Drug Store 7056
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/25/2007
Address :
875 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Hy-Vee Food Store 1410
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
2400 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Hy-Vee Food Store 1413
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
551 S Illinois Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Hy-Vee Gas #2 5413
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2013
Address :
1503 4th St SE,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Kwik Star 1027
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2019
Address :
1502 S Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Kwik Star 1077
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2020
Address :
1316 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Kwik Star 1085
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2020
Address :
235 S Eisenhower Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Liquor Tobacco &grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/2020
Address :
18 N Monroe Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Midtown Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/29/2021
Address :
824 N Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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N Iowa Farmers Market dba Mason City Farmers Mkt
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2020
Address :
1st NE Delaware Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Papa Murphy's IA006
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2020
Address :
1419 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Pinoy Asian Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2017
Address :
1631 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Target Store 0804
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/1996
Address :
3450 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Tobacco Outlet Plus 508
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/5/2014
Address :
1610 S Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Tobacco Outlet Plus 552
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2014
Address :
2480 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Walgreens 5941
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/26/2000
Address :
1251 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Walmart SC 810
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/17/2002
Address :
4151 4th St SW,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Yesway 10019
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
1224 N Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Yesway 10026
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
1303 4th St Sw,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Yesway 10028
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
418 S Federal Ave,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Yesway 10032
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
637 12th St Ne,
Mason City, IA 50401.
Get Directions
Yesway 10033
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
1465 4th St Se,
Mason City, IA 50401.
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Yesway 1011
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2021
Address :
1920 S. Federal Street,
Mason City, IA 50401.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mason City, Iowa
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mason City, 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 Mason City, 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 Mason City, 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 Mason City, 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.