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 Missoula, Montana families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Missoula, 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, Montana:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Missoula, Montana
3rd Street Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/3/2020
Address :
2340 S 3rd St W,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Albertsons 0020
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
2205 Oxford St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Albertsons 0024
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
1003 E Broadway St,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Albertsons 0043
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
2230 N Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Albertsons 1010
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/1/2006
Address :
3800 S Russell St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
CHS Mountain West Coop 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2014
Address :
4570 N Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Clark Fork River Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 5/27/2020
Address :
Riverside Parking Lot,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 0067
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
3220 N Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
CPI Zip Trip 31
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2009
Address :
3325 Brooks St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
CPI Zip Trip 32
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2009
Address :
1540 Toole Ave,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 8622
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/31/2009
Address :
1914 Brooks St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 3007
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/18/2011
Address :
2704 Brooks St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Good Food Store Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/9/1977
Address :
1600 S 3rd St W,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Grizzly Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/22/2014
Address :
447 Hill St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Hellgate Trading Post 3
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/30/2009
Address :
6265 Mullan Rd,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746278
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/1992
Address :
403 S Russell St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746282
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/1992
Address :
605 S Higgins Ave,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Holiday Stationstore 2746283
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/1992
Address :
2325 S Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Jays Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2009
Address :
2480 39th St,
Missoula, MT 59803.
Get Directions
Jays Food Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/17/2008
Address :
2738 W Broadway St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Love's Travel Stop 753
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2019
Address :
8077 Highway 10 W,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Missoula Farmers Market NA
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 4/29/2020
Address :
110 W Alder St,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Missoula Flying J 8202
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/25/2011
Address :
8745 Hwy 93 N,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Missoula Food Bank & Community Center
Store Details :
- Type: Food Buying Co-op
- Authorization Date: 3/20/2020
Address :
1720 Wyoming St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Missoula Fresh Market
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/19/2015
Address :
800 W Broadway St,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Missoula Fresh Market
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/18/2015
Address :
3801 S Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Missoula Valley Winter Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2019
Address :
705 S Higgins Ave,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Missoula Valley Winter Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2021
Address :
2901 Brooks St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Noons 426
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/11/1998
Address :
1250 39th St,
Missoula, MT 59803.
Get Directions
Noons 457
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/20/1999
Address :
540 E Broadway St,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Noons 470
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/28/2006
Address :
1605 S Russell St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Ole's Country Store 11
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/19/2014
Address :
1600 S Russell St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Oles Country Store 12
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/7/1991
Address :
3705 Mt Highway 200 E,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Oles Country Store 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/14/1979
Address :
923 N Orange St,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Orange Street Food Farm
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/9/2015
Address :
701 S Orange St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys Pizza MT 013
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 2/3/2017
Address :
1801 S 3rd St W,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Papa Murphys Take & Bake Pizza MT011
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/16/2020
Address :
3800 S Russell St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Patte Creek Market
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/25/1989
Address :
704 SW Higgins Ave,
Missoula, MT 59803.
Get Directions
Ps Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/5/2021
Address :
930 N Russell St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Rosauers 127
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/25/1984
Address :
2350 S Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Schwans Home Service Missoula Depot 108590
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 5/18/1983
Address :
9170 Futurity Dr,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
South Avenue Market 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/10/2005
Address :
2401 S Higgins Ave,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Southgate Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/1/2009
Address :
1900 South Ave W,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Target Stores T- 0885
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/18/2005
Address :
2420 N Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
The Olde Dairy
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/19/2014
Address :
2106 Clements Rd,
Missoula, MT 59804.
Get Directions
Town Pump Missoula 9 4130
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/14/2017
Address :
2001 Brooks St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Bonner 8500
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/10/1997
Address :
7985 Mt Highway 200 E,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Town Pump Of Missoula 2 3400
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2014
Address :
318 S Orange St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Town Pump Of Missoula #1 0704
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/19/2010
Address :
5310 Grant Creek Rd,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Town Pump of Missoula 3 5400
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/1994
Address :
2210 N Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Town Pump Of Missoula 8-mullan 0905
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2012
Address :
3420 Mullan Rd,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
UC Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/3/2018
Address :
32 Campus Dr,
Missoula, MT 59812.
Get Directions
Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2012
Address :
2530 S 3rd St W,
Missoula, MT 59804.
Get Directions
Walgreens 09351
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/21/2005
Address :
2527 N Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10726
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2007
Address :
2100 Brooks St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Walmart SC 3259
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/10/2001
Address :
3555 Mullan Rd,
Missoula, MT 59808.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 2147
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/17/2002
Address :
4000 Hwy 93 S,
Missoula, MT 59804.
Get Directions
Western Montana Growers Coop
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2009
Address :
1500 Burns St,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
WinCo Foods 165
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/9/2020
Address :
2510 S Reserve St,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Worden's Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2020
Address :
451 N Higgins Ave,
Missoula, MT 59802.
Get Directions
Zootown Super Stop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/3/2011
Address :
2105 S Higgins Ave,
Missoula, MT 59801.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Missoula, Montana
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Missoula, 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, 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.