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 Bel Air, Maryland families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Bel Air, Maryland, 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 Bel Air, Maryland, 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 Bel Air, Maryland, 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 Bel Air, Maryland:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Bel Air, Maryland
7-Eleven 11620G
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2008
Address :
214 Baltimore Pike,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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7-eleven 11629g
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2017
Address :
806 Conowingo Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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7-eleven 32697d
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/11/2017
Address :
1520 Conowingo Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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7-eleven Store 36809A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2013
Address :
306 S Main St,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Aldi 82
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/6/2017
Address :
599 Baltimore Pike,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Carroll Fuel Belair South Pky
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/5/2017
Address :
4 Bel Air South Pkwy,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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CVS Pharmacy 2499
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2010
Address :
1221 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Dollar General 557
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/19/2007
Address :
2434 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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DOLLAR TREE 1713
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2005
Address :
602 Boulton St,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Dollar Tree 3943
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2009
Address :
255 Brierhill Dr,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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Food Lion 1423
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/13/1999
Address :
2458 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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GIANT FOOD 364
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/28/2001
Address :
1401 Rock Spring Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Kleins Shop Rite 0547
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/12/1983
Address :
223 N Main St,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Kleins Shop Rite 0549
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/22/1990
Address :
5 Bel Air South Pkwy,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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Macphail Exxon
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/26/2021
Address :
600 W MacPhail Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Redners Warehouse Market 54
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/30/2008
Address :
2126 N Fountain Green Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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Rite Aid 11208
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2010
Address :
5 Bel Air South Pkwy Ste E5,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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Royal Farms 170
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/27/2012
Address :
2201 Jack Lane,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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Royal Farms 25
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/21/2011
Address :
1601 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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SAFEWAY 1652
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/9/1999
Address :
225 Brierhill Dr,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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Sprouts Farmers Market 918
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2019
Address :
680 Marketplace Dr,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
Get Directions
TARGET STORES 1002
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/17/2006
Address :
580 Marketplace Dr,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Walgreens 11999
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/13/2011
Address :
1927 Emmorton Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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Walgreens 12748
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2009
Address :
1201 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Walgreens 17191
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2010
Address :
606 Hoagie Dr,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Walgreens 17619
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2010
Address :
1600 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
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WAWA 553
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/2/2010
Address :
709 Bel Air Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
Get Directions
WAWA 557
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/2/2010
Address :
1505 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
Get Directions
WAWA 582
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/2/2010
Address :
2300 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21015.
Get Directions
WAWA 586
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/2/2010
Address :
601 Hoagie Dr,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
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Weis Markets 172
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2000
Address :
550 W MacPhail Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Bel Air, Maryland
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Bel Air, Maryland:
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 Maryland
| 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 Bel Air, Maryland?
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 Bel Air, Maryland?
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 Bel Air, Maryland.
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.