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 Bemidji, Minnesota families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Bemidji, Minnesota, 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 Bemidji, Minnesota, 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 Bemidji, Minnesota, 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 Bemidji, Minnesota:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Bemidji, Minnesota
4th Street Tesoro
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/1/2016
Address :
405 Bemidji Ave N,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
71 Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/12/2021
Address :
12471 71 Connection NE,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Aldi 72117
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/6/2020
Address :
1313 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Bemidji Area Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 6/2/2011
Address :
200 Paul Bunyan Dr S,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
BEMIDJI DOWNTOWN MEATS
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2003
Address :
207 America Ave NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Cenex North
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/24/2021
Address :
515 Anne St NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
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CVS 10756
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/25/2015
Address :
2312 Bemidji Ave N,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Dollar General 21383
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2020
Address :
903 Washington Ave S,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 2435
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/19/2008
Address :
2026 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 6102
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2009
Address :
1504 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Harmony Natural Food Cooperative
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/25/2017
Address :
302 Irvine Ave Nw,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746104
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/30/2010
Address :
1106 Paul Bunyan Dr S,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746460
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/30/2016
Address :
414 Paul Bunyan Dr SE,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Lakes Market n/a
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/17/2018
Address :
13477 Irvine Ave Nw,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Lueken's Village Foods South
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2021
Address :
609 Washington Ave S,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Luekens Food Store
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/3/1979
Address :
1171 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
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Luekens Food Stores
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2000
Address :
609 Washington Ave S,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
MARKETPLACE FOOD & DRUG 365
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/27/1989
Address :
2000 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Northdale Oil
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2015
Address :
8000 Irvine Ave Nw,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Northdale Oil
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/2020
Address :
2202 Division St W,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Ortons Bemidji Cenex 225
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2017
Address :
555 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys Take N Bake Pizza MN 052
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 12/12/2011
Address :
516 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Petes Place South
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2007
Address :
179 Convenence Ln SW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Petes Place West
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/26/2002
Address :
7189 Pete Ln NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Petro Serve USA #57
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2011
Address :
2470 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Rods Specialty Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/28/1987
Address :
1718 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Simonson Station - Bemidji 11
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2021
Address :
1820 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Stittsworth Meats
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/26/2010
Address :
722 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Target Store 657
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2008
Address :
2100 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Walgreens 09633
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/12/2009
Address :
421 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Walmart SUPERCENTER 3233
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2002
Address :
2025 Paul Bunyan Dr NW,
Bemidji, MN 56601.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Bemidji, Minnesota
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Bemidji, Minnesota:
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 Minnesota
| 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 Bemidji, Minnesota?
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 Bemidji, Minnesota?
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 Bemidji, Minnesota.
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.