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 Rochester, Minnesota families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Rochester, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester, Minnesota:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Rochester, Minnesota
ALDI 72075 72075
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/23/2005
Address :
1201 S Broadway,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Aldi 77
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2015
Address :
2215 Commerce Dr NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Asian Food Stores
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/13/2002
Address :
1010 7th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
ASIAN PACIFIC MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/25/2006
Address :
4136 18th Ave NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Bakar Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/27/2017
Address :
1217 Marion Rd SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Barakagrocery Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/6/2015
Address :
1005 Broadway Ave N,
Rochester, MN 55906.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 1767
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/3/1995
Address :
4500 18th Ave NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Casey's General Store 2269
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/2/2001
Address :
1600 Eastwood Rd SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Caseys General Store 3624
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2017
Address :
1907 7th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 1125
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2012
Address :
2020 Commerce Dr NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Cub Foods 1602
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/22/1999
Address :
1021 15th Ave SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 2391
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/8/2009
Address :
3412 55th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 3233
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/19/2008
Address :
1201 S Broadway,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 7443
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/8/2018
Address :
4603 Maine Ave SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
El Gallo Mexican Grocery 2
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/9/2011
Address :
2245 Park Ln SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
El Super Gallo
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2017
Address :
1831 24th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market 512RCH
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/29/2019
Address :
40 17th Ave SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Gargaar Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2019
Address :
605 6th Ave NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746338
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2014
Address :
3225 40th Ave NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746423
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2013
Address :
701 Broadway Ave N,
Rochester, MN 55906.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746424
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2013
Address :
400 4th St Se,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746425
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2013
Address :
1520 2nd St Sw,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746427
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2013
Address :
919 37th St Nw,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746429
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2013
Address :
5505 Highway 52 N,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746430
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2014
Address :
1851 Assisi Dr NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee 1556
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2015
Address :
4221 W Circle Dr NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
HY-VEE FOODS 1547
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/27/1981
Address :
500 Crossroads Dr SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
HY-VEE FOODS 1548
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/29/1983
Address :
500 37th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
HY-VEE FOODS 1555
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/4/1997
Address :
1315 6th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee Gas 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/17/2017
Address :
3650 3rd Ave NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Hy-Vee Gas 5556
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/1/2015
Address :
4293 W Circle Dr NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Indian Grocery Store
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/4/2020
Address :
1647 Broadway Ave S,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Jeff's Little Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2019
Address :
3335 Marion Rd SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Kimis Grocery Store Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2021
Address :
517 12th St SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Kwik Trip 279
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/9/2017
Address :
6413 Bandel Rd NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 321
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/3/2001
Address :
1350 Salem Rd SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Kwik Trip 335
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/2/2002
Address :
2170 Wheelock Dr NE,
Rochester, MN 55906.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 341
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/25/1999
Address :
315 12th St SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 357
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/23/1998
Address :
1221 Marion Rd SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 364
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/4/2000
Address :
3490 55th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 382
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/16/1997
Address :
4120 Highway 52 N,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 388
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2002
Address :
3111 Wellner Dr NE,
Rochester, MN 55906.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 418
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/24/1999
Address :
3531 9th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 433
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2005
Address :
560 11th Ave NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 438
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/23/2005
Address :
2109 2nd St SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
KWIK TRIP 464
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2007
Address :
4760 Commercial Dr SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Kwik Trip 590
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/21/2017
Address :
3520 Sarah Pl NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Kwik Trip 659
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/9/2012
Address :
1990 Scott Rd NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Kwik Trip 672
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/10/1993
Address :
1933 S Broadway,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Lee Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2018
Address :
1116 9th St NE,
Rochester, MN 55906.
Get Directions
Marwo Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/22/2019
Address :
1352 3rd Ave Se,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Papa Murphy's MN005
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2021
Address :
3932 Highway 52 N,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Papa Murphy's MN007
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2021
Address :
410 Crossroads Dr SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
People's Food Co-op - Rochester
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/13/2012
Address :
519 1st Ave SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Rice N Spice
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/22/2021
Address :
810 Broadway Ave S,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Rochester Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 7/31/2009
Address :
401 4th Ave SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Rochester Halal Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/12/2016
Address :
1109 7th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Rowan International Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2019
Address :
101 Broadway Ave N,
Rochester, MN 55906.
Get Directions
Saigon Far East Oriental Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2021
Address :
3918 18th Ave NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 6427
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/21/2009
Address :
3410 55th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Silver Lake Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2009
Address :
1402 Broadway Ave N,
Rochester, MN 55906.
Get Directions
Target Store 1351
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2001
Address :
3827 Marketplace Dr NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Target Store 2321
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/10/2007
Address :
4611 Maine Ave SE,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Trader Joe's 718
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2010
Address :
1200 16th St SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets Inc U103
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2015
Address :
1507 Greenview Dr SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Walgreens 11834
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2009
Address :
80 14th St SW,
Rochester, MN 55902.
Get Directions
Walgreens 13463
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2010
Address :
1112 Civic Center Dr NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Walmart 2812
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/15/2000
Address :
25 SE 25th St,
Rochester, MN 55904.
Get Directions
Walmart SUPERCENTER 1971
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/1/2001
Address :
3400 55th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
YE OLDE BUTCHER SHOPPE INC
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 8/5/1998
Address :
902 7th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Rochester, Minnesota
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Rochester, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester, 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.