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 Gaithersburg, Maryland families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, Maryland:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Gaithersburg, Maryland
7-eleven 26360c 3
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/25/2019
Address :
6848 Olney Laytonsville Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20882.
Get Directions
7-eleven 32879c
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/7/2020
Address :
3 Professional Dr,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Inc F 11570
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/8/2012
Address :
8946 N Westland Dr,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Inc F 29912
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/28/2012
Address :
15900 Shady Grove Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Inc F 32961
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/20/2010
Address :
9051 Snouffer School Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Inc F 34560
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/8/2012
Address :
121 Kentlands Blvd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Store 26881A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/21/2013
Address :
8035 Snouffer School Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
7-eleven Store 36460A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/29/2013
Address :
405 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
99 Ranch Market 621
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/7/2018
Address :
110 Odendhal Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Aldi 46
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/1/2015
Address :
608 Quince Orchard Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
All African Food Stores
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/3/2013
Address :
18525 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
City Of Gaithersburg Farmer's Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 7/7/2021
Address :
301 Main Street,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 0213
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
880 Russell Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 1452
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2009
Address :
12215 Darnestown Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
CVS PHARMACY 1490
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/1/2001
Address :
546 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Deshi Bazar
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/7/2013
Address :
282 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 1365
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/5/2006
Address :
18258 Contour Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
El Salvadorenito Grocery Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2018
Address :
441 S Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Family Dollar 9293
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2012
Address :
275 Muddy Branch Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Gaithersburg Supermarket Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/30/2021
Address :
220 E Diamond Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Giant Food 150
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/28/1978
Address :
46 Bureau Dr,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
GIANT FOOD 192
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/6/1987
Address :
18250 Flower Hill Way,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
GIANT FOOD 196
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/9/1988
Address :
20044 Goshen Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
GIANT FOOD 320
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/1993
Address :
229 Kentlands Blvd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
GIANT FOOD 368
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/1985
Address :
842 Muddy Branch Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Gondal Enterprises Inc. 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2014
Address :
418 Allied Pl,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Gulele Ethioipian Market n/a
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2019
Address :
211 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
H Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2008
Address :
9639 Lost Knife Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
H2 African International Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/4/2020
Address :
8097 Snouffer School Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
Harris Teeter 384
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/11/2013
Address :
323 Copley Place,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
India Bazaar 1
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2011
Address :
383 Muddy Branch Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Indian Bazaar
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/26/2012
Address :
811 Russell Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
International Food Warehouse
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/8/2017
Address :
18779 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
Island Pride Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/2021
Address :
615 S Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Lotte Plaza
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2015
Address :
221 Muddy Branch Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Medina Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/20/2012
Address :
18538 Woodfield Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
MEGA MART
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/8/2009
Address :
401 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Morazan Grocery Ii, Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/8/2021
Address :
32 N Summit Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Patel Brothers
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/16/2019
Address :
18270 Contour Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 1620
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2001
Address :
20211 Goshen Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 1089
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/16/1968
Address :
12251 Darnestown Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 6653
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/7/2009
Address :
610 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
SAVANNA INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/22/1999
Address :
117 N Frederick Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Target Stores 1193
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/20/2009
Address :
25 Grand Corner Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Taste Of Europe
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/23/2019
Address :
630 Quince Orchard Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Village Bazaar
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/3/2016
Address :
9617 Lost Knife Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Walgreens 17928
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2010
Address :
662 Quince Orchard Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
Weis Markets 289
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2016
Address :
883 Russell Ave,
Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
Get Directions
WHOLE FOODS MARKET 10180
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/23/2001
Address :
316 Kentlands Blvd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Get Directions
ZAM ZAM MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/17/1997
Address :
9017 Gaither Rd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg, 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.