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 Helena, Montana families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Helena, 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 Helena, 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 Helena, 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 Helena, Montana:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Helena, Montana
Albertsons 3004
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
600 N Fee St,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Albertsons 4008
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
3151 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59602.
Get Directions
B & B Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/4/2010
Address :
100 N Rodney St,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Big Lots 4656
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/8/2014
Address :
2930 Prospect Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Bobs Valley Service Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/12/1979
Address :
7507 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59602.
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Costco Wholesale 0633
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
2195 E Custer Ave,
Helena, MT 59602.
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CPI Zip Trip 42
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2009
Address :
3100 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59602.
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CPI Zip Trip 43
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2009
Address :
1318 Euclid Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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CVS Pharmacy 4278
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2011
Address :
3095 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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CVS Pharmacy 8617
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2009
Address :
603 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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CVS Pharmacy 8619
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/26/2009
Address :
526 Euclid Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Dave's Express Lube
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2013
Address :
4990 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59602.
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Dinners Done Right
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2021
Address :
1212 Cedar St,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 2880
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/18/2011
Address :
3085 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Franz Family Bakery Outlet 9064
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 7/18/2013
Address :
1736 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Friendlys Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/13/2009
Address :
1831 11th Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Holiday Stationstore 2746270
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/1992
Address :
401 Euclid Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Papa Murphy's Take N Bake Pizza 10369
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2013
Address :
3048 N Sanders St,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys Take N Bake Pizza 1
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 11/10/1998
Address :
511 N Sanders St,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Real Food Store
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/7/1975
Address :
1096 Helena Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 1486
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/17/1971
Address :
611 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Schwans Home Service Helena Depot 108060
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 5/7/1983
Address :
795 Colleen St,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Souths Country Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/22/2002
Address :
3105 York Rd,
Helena, MT 59602.
Get Directions
Super 1 Foods 3350
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/15/2014
Address :
3120 Queen Anne St,
Helena, MT 59602.
Get Directions
Target Stores T- 1282
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/27/2009
Address :
3303 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59602.
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Thriftway Super Stops 9
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2011
Address :
1405 Euclid Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
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Tizer Meats
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2009
Address :
2805 York Rd,
Helena, MT 59602.
Get Directions
Town Pump Of Helena #2 2810
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2010
Address :
1140 Euclid Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Helena #5 8959
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/15/2010
Address :
1822 E Custer Ave,
Helena, MT 59602.
Get Directions
Town Pump Of Helena #6 8917
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/7/2010
Address :
2401 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Helena 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/20/2008
Address :
1240 Prospect Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Town Pump Of Helena 3 2920
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/29/2012
Address :
3161 Sanders St,
Helena, MT 59602.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Helena 4 2910
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/1998
Address :
2900 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Vans Thriftway
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/4/1997
Address :
306 Euclid Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2012
Address :
3065 N Montana Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10084
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/11/2008
Address :
1150 11th Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Walmart SC 1872
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/1/2000
Address :
2750 Prospect Ave,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
WinCo Foods 152
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/1/2019
Address :
2995 N Sanders St,
Helena, MT 59601.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Helena, Montana
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Helena, 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 Helena, 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 Helena, 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 Helena, 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.