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 Mankato, Minnesota families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Mankato, 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 Mankato, 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 Mankato, 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 Mankato, Minnesota:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Mankato, Minnesota
Aldi 80
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/11/2007
Address :
1621 E Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Brothers Restaurant & Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/6/2015
Address :
2156 Hoffman Rd,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 2220
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/10/2009
Address :
1375 Lookout Dr,
Mankato, MN 56003.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 2266
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2000
Address :
2001 N Riverfront Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 3745
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/4/2018
Address :
170 Saint Andrews Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Cub Foods 1606
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/22/1999
Address :
1800 E Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Cub Foods 1653
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/10/2001
Address :
1200 S Riverfront Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
CVS 3054
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/15/2011
Address :
1175 Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
CVS 6635
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/15/2011
Address :
1614 Monks Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 3237
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2008
Address :
1901 E Madison Road,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 5417
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2013
Address :
1750 Commerce Dr,
Mankato, MN 56003.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 4833
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2009
Address :
818 S Front St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Happy Dans Village East Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/2006
Address :
2160 Hoffman Rd,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
HILLTOP MEAT MARKET LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 4/10/2009
Address :
1015 Pfau St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Hindi Store
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/13/2021
Address :
630 N 4th St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746011
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/18/2011
Address :
1901 Adams St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
HOLIDAY STATIONSTORE 2746021
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/20/2009
Address :
1302 S Riverfront Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee C-Store #1 5393
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/18/2013
Address :
220 Poplar St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
HY-VEE FOODS 1393
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/22/1983
Address :
410 S Riverfront Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
HY-VEE FOODS 1394
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/16/1997
Address :
2010 Adams St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
International Grocery And Halal
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2021
Address :
403 N Riverfront Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Kwik trip 1011
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/30/2019
Address :
921 Coneflower Lane,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Kwik Trip 275
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/30/2015
Address :
1701 Premier Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 334
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/19/1999
Address :
1271 N River Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 344
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/26/2004
Address :
1549 E Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 379
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/30/1998
Address :
1701 Monks Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 431
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/9/2001
Address :
17 Stoltzman Rd,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 449
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/18/2004
Address :
1291 Raintree Rd,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Kwik Trip 615
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/25/2009
Address :
1740 Commerce Dr,
Mankato, MN 56003.
Get Directions
LEHILLIER QUICK MART
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/20/1985
Address :
101 Hawley St S,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Mankato Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2016
Address :
1895 Adams St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Mocols Supermarket
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/19/1967
Address :
1001 N Broad St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Nabil Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2019
Address :
406 Belgrade Ave,
Mankato, MN 56003.
Get Directions
PAPA MURPHYS PIZZA
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 2/7/2006
Address :
1776 E Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
PAPA MURPHYS PIZZA MN-01
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 2/27/1998
Address :
510 S Riverfront Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Riverfront Marathon
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2021
Address :
729 N Riverfront Dr,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 6510
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/21/2009
Address :
1831 E Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
SuperAmerica 5051
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/29/2018
Address :
201 Webster Ave,
Mankato, MN 56003.
Get Directions
Target Store 663
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/2006
Address :
1850 Adams St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Walgreens 07290
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2005
Address :
1270 E Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Walgreens 12535
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2009
Address :
1705 Commerce Dr,
Mankato, MN 56003.
Get Directions
Walgreens 13902
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2010
Address :
602 S Front St,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Walmart 1473
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/4/2003
Address :
1881 E Madison Ave,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mankato, Minnesota
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mankato, 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 Mankato, 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 Mankato, 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 Mankato, 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.