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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
4-bulls Meat And Seafood
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2020
Address :
2501 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Get Directions
Bao Wows Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2014
Address :
2400 Government St,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Get Directions
Broomes 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/22/2021
Address :
6300 Washington Ave,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Broomes 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/22/2021
Address :
3074 Government St,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Circle K 2707956
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/12/2015
Address :
3948 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Circle K 2721593
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2011
Address :
7600 Tucker Rd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Circle K 2723461
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/25/2010
Address :
1104 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Clark Oil 43
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/7/2012
Address :
1120 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Clarks 32
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/5/2012
Address :
1208 Main St,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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CVS Pharmacy 5739
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/1/2004
Address :
2190 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar General 10011
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/16/2006
Address :
4401 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar General 15306
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/7/2014
Address :
8975 Old Spanish Trl,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar General 15473
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/22/2015
Address :
2426 Government St,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar General 22247
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2021
Address :
700 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar General 9881
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2006
Address :
6709 Washington Ave,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar General Store 17693
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/16/2017
Address :
3787 Greyhound Way,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar Tree 5825
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2015
Address :
2957 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Dollar Tree 6860
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2010
Address :
6719 Washington Ave,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Fast Mart 26
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2014
Address :
2995 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Hema Investments Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/14/2018
Address :
2340 Government St,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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JULIAN L. FAYARD III, INC
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/4/2001
Address :
6905 Washington Ave,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Get Directions
MURPHY EXPRESS 8579
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/11/2011
Address :
4021 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Get Directions
Ocean Springs Food Mart, Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2019
Address :
2875 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Ocean Springs Fresh Market Cdc
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 12/30/2015
Address :
1000 Washington Ave,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Os Quick Stop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/29/2021
Address :
4027 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Qwik Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/18/2010
Address :
8901 Old Spanish Trl,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Race Trac 2497
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2018
Address :
7015 Washington Ave,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Ricky's Fresh Seafood/ Mobile Vendor
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 3/1/2021
Address :
2961 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Rouses Market 40
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/25/2007
Address :
3164 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Walgreens 18039
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/29/2005
Address :
3082 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
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Walmart Neighborhood Market 5776
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/22/2016
Address :
6412 Washington Ave,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 1346
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2000
Address :
3911 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Get Directions
WINN DIXIE 1478
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/19/1967
Address :
1515 Bienville Blvd,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Ocean Springs, Mississippi:
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 Mississippi
| 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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi?
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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi?
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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
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.