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 Ottumwa, Iowa families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, Iowa:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Ottumwa, Iowa
691 Island Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/3/2020
Address :
525 Church St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
Get Directions
Albia Road Amoco Food Shop 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1994
Address :
1340 Albia Rd,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Aldi Inc 009
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
940 N Quincy Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Casey's General Store 1678
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/5/1993
Address :
346 Richmond Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Casey's General Store 1886
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
504 W Mary St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Casey's General Store 2208
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2000
Address :
1603 W 2nd St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Caseys General Store 007
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1001 E Main St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Cerro Grande Meats And Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/31/2021
Address :
311 E Main St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Dollar General 2898
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/26/2004
Address :
921 E Main St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Dollar General 7179
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2004
Address :
721 N Quincy Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Dollar Tree 3141
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2010
Address :
1110 N Quincy Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Fareway Stores Inc 648
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1325 Albia Rd,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Hwy 63 South Amoco Food Shop 8
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1994
Address :
4108 Highway 63,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Hy-Vee C-Store 5505
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2013
Address :
2457 N Court St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Hy-Vee Drugstore
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/3/2006
Address :
1140 N Jefferson St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Hy-Vee Food Store 1504
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/25/1966
Address :
1025 N Quincy Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Hy-Vee Food Store 1505
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/24/1966
Address :
2453 N Court St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Hy-Vee Gas 5504
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/22/2008
Address :
1027 N Quincy Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Jm Asian Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/13/2019
Address :
801 E Main St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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La Guadalupana
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2011
Address :
301 Church St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Mad Ave Quik Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2021
Address :
405 S Madison Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Mexico Lindo
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/30/2010
Address :
530 W 2nd St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Murphy USA 6945
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2021
Address :
1939 Venture Dr,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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North Court Amoco Food Shop 11
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1994
Address :
1301 N Court St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Ottumwa Grocery Store
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/10/2020
Address :
129 E 2nd St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Penn & Jeff Amoco Food Shop 12
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1994
Address :
1147 N Jefferson St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Richmond and Ferry BP
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/22/2005
Address :
720 Richmond Ave,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Rocket Fuels & Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/16/2019
Address :
16288 Highway 34,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Vphual Asian Market Llc #2
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2020
Address :
411 Church St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Walgreens 1301
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2004
Address :
327 W 4th St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Walmart SC 1285
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/16/2002
Address :
1940 Venture Dr,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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West 2nd Amoco Food Shop 15
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/1994
Address :
1049 W 2nd St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Yesway 10012
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
2508 N Court St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
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Yesway 10013
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
534 Church St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
Get Directions
Yesway 10014
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2016
Address :
502 W 2nd St,
Ottumwa, IA 52501.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Ottumwa, Iowa
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, 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.