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 Germantown, Maryland families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Germantown, 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 Germantown, 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 Germantown, 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 Germantown, Maryland:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Germantown, Maryland
7-eleven 27591d
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2020
Address :
19700 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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7-eleven 27669c
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2017
Address :
19786 Crystal Rock Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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7-Eleven 28864C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/14/2015
Address :
13001 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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7-eleven 39789a
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/27/2017
Address :
12301 Middlebrook Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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7-eleven 39815a
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/6/2019
Address :
20510 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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7-Eleven Inc F 32882A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/26/2012
Address :
12861 Clopper Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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7-Eleven Inc F 32967B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/10/2013
Address :
19412 Walter Johnson Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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7-Eleven Inc F 34140
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/13/2012
Address :
21040 Henderdon Corner Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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7-Eleven Inc F 35003B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/9/2014
Address :
18701 Liberty Mill Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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A-one Halal Mart, Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2020
Address :
12941 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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African International Market Inc. 1
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/25/2021
Address :
13011 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Aldi 42
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/11/2010
Address :
20904 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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Big Lots 5300
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2015
Address :
20926 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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CVS Pharmacy 1880
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2009
Address :
12825 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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CVS Pharmacy 1964
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2010
Address :
18080 Mateny road,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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CVS Pharmacy 5460
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/8/2005
Address :
19901 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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Dollar General 18669
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/22/2017
Address :
12619 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Dollar Tree 969
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/26/2014
Address :
18036 Mateny Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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El Nazareno Latin Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2019
Address :
19609 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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Euro Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/28/2019
Address :
13077 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Germantown Halal Meat & Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/7/2016
Address :
12615 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Germantown Lotte LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2007
Address :
13069 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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GIANT FOOD 169
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/8/1982
Address :
13060 Middlebrook Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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GIANT FOOD 313
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/1999
Address :
18331 Leaman Farm Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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GIANT FOOD 362
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/8/1997
Address :
20944 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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GW Supermarket Of Germantown, Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/18/2013
Address :
19721 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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Harris Teeter 325
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/5/2006
Address :
14101 Darnestown Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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India Bazaar 2
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2011
Address :
13097 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Naanfe Market
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2019
Address :
13535 Clopper Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Palmeras Latino Market Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2015
Address :
12611 Wisteria Dr,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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SAFEWAY 1579
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/5/1985
Address :
19718 Germantown Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Shoppers Food Warehouse 2362
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/1995
Address :
18066 Mateny Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Target Store 1046
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/31/2005
Address :
20908 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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Town Center Sunoco
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/1/2020
Address :
19738 Germantown Rd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Walgreens 19966
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2010
Address :
19927 Century Blvd,
Germantown, MD 20874.
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Walmart Supercenter 2357
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/21/2002
Address :
20910 Frederick Rd,
Germantown, MD 20876.
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Wegmans 56
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2013
Address :
20600 Seneca Meadows Pkwy,
Germantown, MD 20876.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Germantown, Maryland
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Germantown, 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 Germantown, 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 Germantown, 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 Germantown, 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.