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 Altoona, Pennsylvania families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Altoona, Pennsylvania, 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 Altoona, Pennsylvania, 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 Altoona, Pennsylvania, 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 Altoona, Pennsylvania:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Aldi 29
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2012
Address :
1706 McMahon Rd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Altoona Farmers Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2021
Address :
1400 11th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Angelo Pacifico And Sons
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2016
Address :
1208 5th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Big Lots 1867
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/13/2015
Address :
415 Orchard Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Bimbo Bakeries 8755
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2012
Address :
1542 E Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Blochers Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 1/29/2019
Address :
109 1st St,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Broad Avenue Pharmacy llc
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/27/2010
Address :
2329 Broad Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Choice Altoona Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/11/2018
Address :
1672 E Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
CVS Pharmacy 4013
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/6/2008
Address :
200 E Plank Rd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Dkr Fast Mart Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2019
Address :
1130 13th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Dollar General 10120
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/8/2005
Address :
1013 N 4th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Dollar General 17914
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/31/2017
Address :
606 S Temple Ln,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Dollar General 17969
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/12/2017
Address :
1230 14th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Dollar General 21236
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/24/2019
Address :
3229 6th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Dollar General 4081
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2005
Address :
311 S Lloyd St,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL STORE 8003
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/29/2004
Address :
920 31st St,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 2163
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/21/2008
Address :
3415 Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 7602
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2018
Address :
700 Valley View Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
EVERYTHING NATURAL UNDER THE SUN
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/4/1998
Address :
3415 Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 1051
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2009
Address :
200 E Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 2681
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/3/2009
Address :
501 E 25th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 4970
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/3/2009
Address :
5901 6th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Fefi's
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/2020
Address :
1313 Valley View Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Fefi's
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/30/2020
Address :
320 Howard Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Fefi's
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2020
Address :
604 7th St,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Fefi's
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2021
Address :
210 4th St,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Fefi's
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2020
Address :
300 E Grant Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Fefis
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2020
Address :
130 E 6th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
FeiFi's Grocery Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/16/2010
Address :
1224 2nd Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
FIRST STOP SHOP
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/5/1997
Address :
1815 Union Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Get Go 3649
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2017
Address :
200 Sophrira Ln,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Giant Eagle 71
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2014
Address :
181 Sophrira Ln,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Intown Convenience Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/28/2021
Address :
1205 16th St,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Kepners Grandview Meats
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/18/2011
Address :
1544 Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Lajo's Italian Sausage Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/10/2020
Address :
1101 8th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Martin's Food Market 6466
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/4/2010
Address :
1000 Logan Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Martins Food Market 6012
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/13/2000
Address :
2032 E Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
MARTINS FOOD MARKET 6292
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/13/2000
Address :
200 E Chestnut Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Nic's Grab N Go
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2011
Address :
1010 6th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Nic's Grab N Go 12
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/24/2013
Address :
5915 California Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Rite Aid 11011
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2006
Address :
600 Chestnut Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Rite Aid 11012
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/19/2008
Address :
3331 Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Rite Aid 6740
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2014
Address :
3106 E Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Rite Aid 6741
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2014
Address :
1600 9th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Roll's Meat Market, Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 7/19/2018
Address :
101 E 3rd Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Rutter's 83
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/14/2019
Address :
3000 6th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Saji & Sharvan LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2015
Address :
1700 7th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 6460
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2009
Address :
2500 Plank Rd,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Save A Lot 45122
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/29/2013
Address :
3415 Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Sheetz 100
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/1983
Address :
1661 E Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Sheetz 11
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/17/1972
Address :
700 Chestnut Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Sheetz 14
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/13/1979
Address :
3315 Beale Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Sheetz 187
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/23/1991
Address :
400 E Plank Rd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Sheetz 33
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/13/1979
Address :
718 Bellwood Rd,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Sheetz 34
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/16/1979
Address :
1701 7th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Sheetz 354
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/7/2004
Address :
1915 Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Sheetz 38
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/16/1979
Address :
405 E 25th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Sheetz 420
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/20/1971
Address :
1015 Old 6th Avenue Rd,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Sheetz 531
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2014
Address :
678 Frankstown Rd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Sheetz 7
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/26/1971
Address :
5706 6th Ave,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Target Stores 1160
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 5/20/2009
Address :
153 Sierra Dr,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Thompson Pharmacy
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2008
Address :
600 E Chestnut Ave,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Thompson Pharmacy
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2008
Address :
1118 12th St,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10386
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/12/2009
Address :
508 E Plank Rd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 2049
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/22/2002
Address :
2600 Plank Rd Commons,
Altoona, PA 16601.
Get Directions
Weis Markets 40
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/1/1971
Address :
275 Park Hills Plz,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Weis Markets 64
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/1/1971
Address :
601 Pleasant Valley Blvd,
Altoona, PA 16602.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Altoona, Pennsylvania:
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 Pennsylvania
| 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 Altoona, Pennsylvania?
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 Altoona, Pennsylvania?
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 Altoona, Pennsylvania.
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.