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 West Des Moines, Iowa families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, Iowa:
Stores Accept WIC Card in West Des Moines, Iowa
60th Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/27/2018
Address :
5914 Ashworth Rd,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Aldi 40
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2013
Address :
6050 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Casey's General Store 2297
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/7/2000
Address :
108 8th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Casey's General Store 2824
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/10/2009
Address :
6630 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Casey's General Store 2923
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2010
Address :
1850 22nd St,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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CASEY'S GENERAL STORE 3098
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/18/2013
Address :
105 Grand Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Caseys General Store 2150
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/2009
Address :
2125 Grand Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Costco Wholesale 0788
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
7205 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Dollar Tree 2427
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/22/2011
Address :
1618 22nd St,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Dollar Tree 4256
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/28/2016
Address :
6630 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Dollar Tree 7510
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2018
Address :
245 50th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
Get Directions
DOLLARTREE 6295
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2016
Address :
800 1st St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Fareway Stores Inc 153
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2015
Address :
329 Grand Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Fresh Thyme Farmers Market 951WDM
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/13/2016
Address :
2900 University Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Git-N-Go 4
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1325 Grand Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Historic Valley Junction Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2017
Address :
137 5th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Hy-Vee Drugstore 7082
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/11/2006
Address :
1010 60th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Hy-Vee Food and Drugstore 1889
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/19/1998
Address :
1725 Jordan Creek Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Hy-Vee Food Store 1887
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1700 Valley West Dr,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee Food Store 1888
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/13/1986
Address :
1990 Grand Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Hy-Vee Food Store 1890
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2006
Address :
555 S 51st St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Hy-Vee Gas 5889
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/2005
Address :
7280 University Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Hy-Vee Gas 5890
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2006
Address :
665 S 51st St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Hy-Vee Health Market 7084
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/11/2018
Address :
375 S Jordan Creek Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Indian Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/2021
Address :
6630 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Kum & Go 1097
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/16/2016
Address :
220 50th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Kum & Go 2091
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/22/2009
Address :
5969 Ashworth Rd,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Kum & Go 3035
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/8/1995
Address :
7265 Vista Dr,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Kum & Go 50
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/26/2003
Address :
745 S 51st St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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Kum & Go 532
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/16/2016
Address :
5901 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Kum & Go 570
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/9/2009
Address :
6400 Westown Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Kum & Go 66
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/3/2012
Address :
5308 University Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Kum & Go 74
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/22/2004
Address :
141 S Jordan Creek Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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Kum & Go 8
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/3/1999
Address :
1301 8th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
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La Michoacana
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/24/2008
Address :
433 5th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
Get Directions
Punyesh Llc Dba Vine Food And Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2017
Address :
2704 Vine St,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
Get Directions
QuikTrip 517
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/14/2012
Address :
1451 22nd St,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Target Stores T- 0069
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2006
Address :
1800 35th St,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Target Stores T- 1901
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/12/2004
Address :
5405 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Trader Joes 721
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/6/2010
Address :
6305 Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Valley West Corner Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/5/2020
Address :
1400 Valley West Dr,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Walgreens 6623
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2001
Address :
1660 22nd St,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Walgreens 6677
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/3/2001
Address :
4900 George Mills Civic Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
Get Directions
Walgreens 6678
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2003
Address :
1999 Grand Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50265.
Get Directions
Walmart SC 3762
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/8/2006
Address :
6365 Stagecoach Dr,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
West Des Moines Fast & Fresh 7590
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2020
Address :
425 S Jordan Creek Pkwy,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10460
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/18/2012
Address :
4100 University Ave,
West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in West Des Moines, Iowa
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, 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.