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 Ellicott City, Maryland families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City, Maryland:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Ellicott City, Maryland
7-eleven 21081e
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/26/2015
Address :
9398 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
7-eleven 38567a
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/6/2021
Address :
9320 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 39193
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/5/2009
Address :
4882 Montgomery Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Inc F 11725
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2010
Address :
9049 Frederick Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
CASPIAN SUPERMARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/18/2005
Address :
9191 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
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CVS Pharmacy 2043
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2009
Address :
3300 Centennial Ln,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
GIANT FOOD 143
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/18/1989
Address :
4715 Dorsey Hall Dr,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
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Giant Food 2310
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/17/1974
Address :
9200 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
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H Mart Ellicott City, LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/25/2014
Address :
3301 N Ridge Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
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Harris Teeter 382
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/21/2013
Address :
11075 Resort Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
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Highs Of Baltimore, LLC 108
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/12/2013
Address :
64 Frederick Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
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Highs Of Baltimore, LLC 40
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/8/2013
Address :
3045 Rogers Ave,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
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India Bazaar
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/26/2021
Address :
8450 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
International Food Market 1
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2021
Address :
8722 Town and Country Blvd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Lotte Plaza
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/21/1999
Address :
8801 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
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Rite Aid 384
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2009
Address :
8601 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Roving Radish
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 6/26/2014
Address :
3430 Courthouse Drive,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 1281
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/20/1971
Address :
10000 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 1459
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/17/1996
Address :
4370 Montgomery Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Shell Waterloo
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2020
Address :
5651 Waterloo Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Sprouts Farmers Market 916
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/25/2018
Address :
9150 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
Target Stores 1042
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/20/2009
Address :
4390 Montgomery Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Teres Latin Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/12/2019
Address :
8525 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Turkish Family Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2011
Address :
8457 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Walgreens 15553
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2015
Address :
10097 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
Walgreens 17905
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2009
Address :
9150 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 2412
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/21/2002
Address :
3200 North Ridge Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Ellicott City, Maryland
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City, 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.