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 Cortland, New York families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Cortland, New York, 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 Cortland, New York, 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 Cortland, New York, 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 Cortland, New York:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Cortland, New York
7 Eleven 35261H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/28/2012
Address :
76 N Main St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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ALDI INC 96
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/3/1994
Address :
908 State Route 13,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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APLUS 40114H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/13/2020
Address :
3947 Route 281,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Best Gas Cortland Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/29/2020
Address :
155 Tompkins St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Big Lots 1794
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2014
Address :
3658 State Route 281,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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BILL BROS DAIRY
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/17/1988
Address :
219 Port Watson St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Byrne Dairy Cortland 27
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/7/1974
Address :
117 Groton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Cortland County Comm Action Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2012
Address :
Main St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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CORTLAND PRODUCE CASH & CARRY
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/2004
Address :
32 Owego St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Cortland SUNOCO
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2010
Address :
44 Port Watson St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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CVS PHARMACY 2135
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/11/2000
Address :
13 Port Watson St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Dewitt's Produce
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/28/2008
Address :
160 Clinton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Dollar General 6365
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/6/2004
Address :
186 Homer Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Dollar Tree 1450
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/16/2011
Address :
3916 State Route 281,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Dollar Tree 7790
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/14/2019
Address :
160 Clinton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Family Dollar 2499
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/20/2009
Address :
160 Clinton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Family Dollar Store 4756
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/22/2009
Address :
231 Groton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Jimico Ent. Dba Aplus Mcgraw
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/9/2014
Address :
3817 Us Route 11,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Joe's Kwik Mart 457
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/25/2019
Address :
152 Clinton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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KINNEY DRUGS 07
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/27/1994
Address :
3666 State Route 281,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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KINNEY GORDON DRUGS 36
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/27/1994
Address :
14 Clinton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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P&C Fresh Market 95
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/4/2011
Address :
160 Clinton Ave,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Price Chopper Cortland 178
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2001
Address :
854 State Route 13,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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RED APPLE FOOD MART 339
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/1989
Address :
1057 State Route 13,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Rincon Hispano
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/2020
Address :
134 S Main St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Rite Aid 10738
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/25/1999
Address :
1067 State Route 222,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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SAVE-A-LOT 308
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/20/1998
Address :
1111 State Route 222,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Save-a-lot Cortland 21372
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2021
Address :
1111 State Route 222,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Schwans Home Service 110120
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 4/11/1983
Address :
1885 Lorings Crossing Rd,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Speedway 7743
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/26/2011
Address :
106 Port Watson St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Speedway 9930
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/30/1995
Address :
162 Tompkins St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Student Finest Convenient Inc -The Daily Grind
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2018
Address :
22 Main St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Super Lucky Express Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/31/2018
Address :
180 Main St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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The Local Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/27/2015
Address :
37 N Main St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Tops Markets 517
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/11/1995
Address :
3932 State Route 281,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Virgil Gas, Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/19/2017
Address :
2964 Webb Rd,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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WALGREENS 10158
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2007
Address :
3948 State Route 281,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Walgreens 17204
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2000
Address :
170 Port Watson St,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Walmart Supercenter 1781
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2004
Address :
819 Bennie Rd,
Cortland, NY 13045.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Cortland, New York
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Cortland, New York:
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 York
| 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 Cortland, New York?
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 Cortland, New York?
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 Cortland, New York.
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.