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 Oswego, New York families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Oswego, 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 Oswego, 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 Oswego, 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 Oswego, New York:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Oswego, New York
ALDI INC 21
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/10/1999
Address :
290 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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APLUS 40190H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/10/2020
Address :
299 W 1st St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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BIG LOTS 1074
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/10/2014
Address :
140 STATE ROUTE 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Boscos Market/East Ave Market LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/30/2021
Address :
343 East Ave,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Byrne Dairy Oswego 10
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1971
Address :
97 E Bridge St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Dollar General 16000
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2015
Address :
7754 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Dollar General Store 16187
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/7/2015
Address :
8 Columbia Ave,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Dollar Tree 1879
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2015
Address :
140 SR 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Fastrac EG LLC 201
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/14/1985
Address :
214 W Bridge St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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GARAFOLO IMP
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/4/1973
Address :
155 E Bridge St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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KINNEY DRUG #53 53
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/6/1999
Address :
174 W Bridge St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Mustard Seed Franchising Corporation
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2019
Address :
250 West Seneca Street, Suite C,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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NK Gas And Foodmart Inc - Red's Scriba Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2018
Address :
5670 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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ONTARIO ORCHARDS
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1971
Address :
7735 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Oswego Farmer's Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 6/18/2018
Address :
W Bridge St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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PAUL'S BIG M
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/20/1977
Address :
276 W 1st St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Pit Stop Convenience Stores (19) 19
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/20/2012
Address :
3806 County Route 4,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Pit Stop Convenience Stores (8) 8
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/11/2012
Address :
181 1st St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Price Chopper Oswego 226
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2005
Address :
137 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Rise & Shine
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2018
Address :
126 E Oneida St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Ruma Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2015
Address :
7681 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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SCRIBA MEATS, INC
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/17/1989
Address :
5332 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Stewart's Shops 463
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/10/2019
Address :
120 E Bridge St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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STEWARTS SHOP 388
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/29/2004
Address :
51 W Utica St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Walgreens 17566
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/18/2000
Address :
250 State Route 104,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Walmart 1926
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2004
Address :
341 Route 104 E,
Oswego, NY 13126.
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Wayne Drug Of Pulaski, Inc Dba Wayne Drug Oswego,
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/18/2017
Address :
24 W Bridge St,
Oswego, NY 13126.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Oswego, New York
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Oswego, 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 Oswego, 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 Oswego, 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 Oswego, 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.