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 Great Falls, Montana families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Great Falls, Montana, 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 Great Falls, Montana, 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 Great Falls, Montana, 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 Great Falls, Montana:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Great Falls, Montana
2Js Natural Foods Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/30/2007
Address :
105 Smelter Ave NE,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Albertsons 0035
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
1414 3rd St NW,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
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Albertsons 0037
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
2250 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Big Lots 4592
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2014
Address :
1200 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Central Avenue Meats
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2020
Address :
420 Central Ave,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Conoco On Your Way
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/10/2010
Address :
3601 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
CPI Zip Trip 44
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/14/2010
Address :
1608 Fox Farm Rd,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
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CPI Zip Trip 45
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/14/2010
Address :
625 1st Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
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CVS Pharmacy 8624
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
1200 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
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Discount Meats
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 8/20/2019
Address :
2020 2nd Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
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Dollar Tree 2947
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/11/2013
Address :
1017 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
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Dollar Tree 3070
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/11/2013
Address :
209 Northwest Byp,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
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Everyday IGA
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/28/2008
Address :
701 1st Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Everyday Iga North
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/2/2015
Address :
2505 6th Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Franz Bakery Outlet 9079
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 7/23/2019
Address :
4414 N Star Blvd,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Gas N Shop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/7/2020
Address :
101 Smelter Ave Ne,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Gas N Shop 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/26/2020
Address :
101 Truman Ave,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Great Falls 6 Flying J 4730
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2011
Address :
3715 31st St SW,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Holiday 2746730
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/7/2013
Address :
1428 3rd St NW,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746010
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/20/2001
Address :
1601 Fox Farm Rd,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
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Holiday Stationstore 2746059
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/1/2012
Address :
601 Northwest Byp,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
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Holiday Stationstore 2746273
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/1992
Address :
1020 15th St N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Keiths Country Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/15/1990
Address :
1621 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Kennys Downtown
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/6/2017
Address :
528 Central Ave,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Kernaghans Pik & Pump
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/5/1990
Address :
1507 8th Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Loaf N Jug 765
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/29/1983
Address :
3726 2nd Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Loaf N Jug 766
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/28/1983
Address :
900 1st Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
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Loaf N Jug 767
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/27/1983
Address :
601 Smelter Ave NE,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Loaf N Jug 768
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/27/1983
Address :
1225 Central Ave W,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Love's Travel Stop 789
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2021
Address :
3219 Airport Drive,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Manito Super 1 Foods, Inc. 7055
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/24/2016
Address :
3160 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Noons 571
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2006
Address :
3200 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Noons 572
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/7/2007
Address :
5600 3rd Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Noons 574
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2006
Address :
1300 12th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys Take N Bake Pizza
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 5/13/1997
Address :
2815 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Peres Food Basket, Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/26/1997
Address :
2700 2nd Ave N,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
Get Directions
Poppys Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2021
Address :
606 15th ST S,
Great Falls, MT 59401.
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Sam's Club 6379
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/9/2008
Address :
401 Northwest Byp,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
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Schultes 38th St Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/6/1990
Address :
3800 3rd Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Smiths Food & Drug Center 166
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/3/1998
Address :
1601 Market Place Dr,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Target Stores T- 0253
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/27/2009
Address :
2000 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
The Little Store Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/29/2018
Address :
5435 Lower River Rd,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Town Pump Great Falls #4 1515
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/16/2010
Address :
700 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Town Pump Of Great Falls #5 1007
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/19/2010
Address :
3700 31st St SW,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Great Falls 170 0170
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/1990
Address :
401 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Great Falls 2400
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/9/1990
Address :
1400 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Great Falls 3 1015
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2002
Address :
505 Northwest Byp,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
TOWN PUMP OF GREAT FALLS 7 7033
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/21/2017
Address :
1411 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Udderly Fresh Distributing
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 1/26/2012
Address :
400 4th St S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10083
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/7/2007
Address :
2301 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10859
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/7/2007
Address :
1213 3rd St NW,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Walmart SC 2455
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/2/2000
Address :
701 Smelter Ave NE,
Great Falls, MT 59404.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 7199
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/19/2017
Address :
5320 10th Ave S,
Great Falls, MT 59405.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Great Falls, Montana
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Great Falls, Montana:
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 Montana
| 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 Great Falls, Montana?
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 Great Falls, Montana?
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 Great Falls, Montana.
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.