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 Meadville, Pennsylvania families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Meadville, 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 Meadville, 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 Meadville, 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 Meadville, Pennsylvania:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Meadville, Pennsylvania
ALDI 49
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/16/2002
Address :
16500 Conneaut Lake Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Big Lots 801
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/23/2015
Address :
820 Water St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Carr's Hometown Market & Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/22/2019
Address :
18373 Conneaut Lake Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Country Fair 30
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/21/1989
Address :
18163 Conneaut Lake Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Country Fair 55
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/1989
Address :
333 North St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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CVS Pharmacy 5099
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/12/2000
Address :
392 North St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Dollar General 19881
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/11/2019
Address :
7735 McHenry St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Dollar General 4964
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/29/2004
Address :
900 WATER ST-DOWNTOWN MALL,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Dollar General Store 16908
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/31/2016
Address :
24095 State Highway 77,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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DOLLAR GENERAL STORE 2446
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/29/2004
Address :
11102 Perry Hwy,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Dollar Tree 7464
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/9/2018
Address :
1121 Park Ave,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Dollar Tree 942
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/24/2014
Address :
16039 Conneaut Lake Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Family Dollar 8809
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/24/2011
Address :
18971 Park Avenue Plz,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Giant Eagle Meadville 95
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2019
Address :
175 Smock Hwy,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Kwik Fill 167
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2018
Address :
275 Linden St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Kwik Fill 304
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2018
Address :
21268 Blooming Valley Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Kwik Fill 393
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2018
Address :
471 North St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Last Minit Mart 5
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/8/2011
Address :
16401 Harmonsburg Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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MALADY'S MEAT MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 4/4/1988
Address :
19043 Park Avenue Plz,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Meadville Market House
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 3/24/2010
Address :
910 Market St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Meadville Save-a-lot 24701
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/31/2012
Address :
18967 Park Avenue Plz,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Millers Farm Market
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2015
Address :
12170 Townline Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Quick Stop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/29/2019
Address :
324 Pine St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Rite Aid 2380
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/23/2008
Address :
975 Market St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Sheetz 153
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/1987
Address :
18425 Smock Hwy,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Sheetz 337
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2002
Address :
16590 Conneaut Lake Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Tops Markets 670
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/1/1992
Address :
144 W Center St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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VALESKY'S
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/1/1995
Address :
1044 Water St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Verna's Discount Grocery And Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/6/2015
Address :
560 Washington St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
Get Directions
Walgreens 10837
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/27/2008
Address :
379 North St,
Meadville, PA 16335.
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Walmart 1656
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/25/1998
Address :
16086 Conneaut Lake Rd,
Meadville, PA 16335.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Meadville, Pennsylvania
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Meadville, 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 Meadville, 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 Meadville, 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 Meadville, 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.