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 Horseheads, New York families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Horseheads, 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 Horseheads, 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 Horseheads, 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 Horseheads, New York:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Horseheads, New York
Aldi 59
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/5/2010
Address :
1700 County Road 64,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Byrne Dairy Fairgrounds 01
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/8/2006
Address :
1968 Grand Central Ave,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Byrne Dairy Horeseheads 66
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/22/1981
Address :
482 Old Ithaca Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Dandy Mini Mart 57
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2009
Address :
104 Wygant Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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DK Marks HH LLC - Jubilee Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/13/2020
Address :
2898 Westinghouse Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Dollar General 10705
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/15/2007
Address :
3164 Lake Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Dollar General 20645
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/7/2019
Address :
113 Old Ithaca Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Family Dollar 5204
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2009
Address :
1020 Center St,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Gerow's Dairy
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2012
Address :
98 Old Ithaca Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Lake Road Food Mart Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2012
Address :
3054 Lake Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Rite Aid 10880
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/12/2000
Address :
2144 Grand Central Ave,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Rite Aid 10881
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/25/2000
Address :
2898 Westinghouse Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Schwans Home Service 110140
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 9/6/1990
Address :
230 LATTA BROOK INDUSTRIAL PK,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Speedway 9928
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/25/2010
Address :
2150 Grand Central Ave,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Speedway 9953
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/30/1995
Address :
606 S Main St,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Speedway 9967
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/18/2010
Address :
3301 Chambers Rd,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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The Golden Calf Artisan Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/10/2021
Address :
707 S Main St,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Walmart SUPERCENTER 1976
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2001
Address :
1400 County Route 64,
Horseheads, NY 14845.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Horseheads, New York
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Horseheads, 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 Horseheads, 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 Horseheads, 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 Horseheads, 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.