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 Rio Rancho, New Mexico families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 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 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 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 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 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 Rio Rancho, New Mexico:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Rio Rancho, New Mexico
7-ELEVEN 721
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/5/2001
Address :
2315 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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ALBERTSON'S 923
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/14/2007
Address :
7800 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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Albertsons 903
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/15/1996
Address :
4300 Ridgecrest Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Allsups 342
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/1989
Address :
4400 Ridgecrest Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Big Lots 1927
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2015
Address :
1660 Rio Rancho Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Bimbo Bakeries 9132
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 11/16/2001
Address :
1658 Rio Rancho Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Cedar Crest Shell 1690
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2014
Address :
12476 Hwy 14 N,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Circle K 2706276
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/19/2014
Address :
229 Rio Rancho Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Circle K 2741220
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2009
Address :
2505 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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CVS/ PHARMACY INC 7552
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/21/2010
Address :
1001 NM HWY 528 SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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DK 724
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/29/2015
Address :
2211 Unser Blvd Se,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 10614
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/20/2006
Address :
3301 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Dollar General 18690
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/13/2018
Address :
1801 Pine Rd NE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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Dollar Tree 2823
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/20/2006
Address :
2003 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Dollar Tree 3690
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/24/2007
Address :
4405 Jager,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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Dollartree 5555
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2009
Address :
1320 Rio Rancho Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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El Paisano Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/23/2018
Address :
2003 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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GOOD 2 GO STORE 306
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/15/2017
Address :
580 Unser Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Good 2 Go Store 308
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2017
Address :
1475 State Route Highway 528,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Latitudes 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/13/2012
Address :
2401 Nm Hwy 528 S.e.,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Murphy Express 8911
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2020
Address :
4150 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Papa Murphy's NM035
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 4/3/2017
Address :
7820 Enchanted Hills Blvd Ne,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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Papa Murphy's Pizza NM031
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 7/24/2012
Address :
1121 Unser Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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RIO RANCHO MEATS
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/14/1988
Address :
2114 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Rio Rancho Shell 1670
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/24/2014
Address :
4001 Sara Rd Se,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Sandia Shell 1680
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/24/2014
Address :
7801 Carr Way Ne,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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Say Steak Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2019
Address :
602 10th Ave Nw,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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SMITHS 413
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1000 Rio Rancho Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Speedway 8922
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/19/2013
Address :
2101 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Speedway 8928
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2020
Address :
1050 Hwy 528,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Speedway 9114
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2020
Address :
3815 Northern Blvd NE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
Get Directions
Speedway 9118
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/30/2020
Address :
2020 Autumn Sage Ave NE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
Get Directions
Speedway 9119
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/30/2020
Address :
3601 Highway 528 NE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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Target Store 1117
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/16/2005
Address :
4225 Crestview Dr SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets Inc U037
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/24/2010
Address :
921 NM Highway 528 SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
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Walgreens 12270
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2010
Address :
2101 Northern Blvd NE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
Get Directions
Walgreens 4187
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/4/1992
Address :
1941 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
Get Directions
Walgreens 5158
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/4/1992
Address :
4051 Southern Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
Get Directions
Walgreens 5732
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/23/2000
Address :
7850 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
Get Directions
Walmart Neighborhood Market 3517
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/18/2014
Address :
1115 NM Highway 528 SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
Get Directions
Walmart SUPERCENTER 3732
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/17/2006
Address :
901 Unser Blvd SE,
Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Rio Rancho, New Mexico:
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 New Mexico
| 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 Rio Rancho, New Mexico?
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 Rio Rancho, New Mexico?
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 Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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.