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 Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Mechanicsburg, 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 Mechanicsburg, 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 Mechanicsburg, 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 Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
ALDI 146
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2020
Address :
6476 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Bombay Bazzar
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/5/2011
Address :
6499 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Casa Market Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2021
Address :
5204 Simpson Ferry Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Chungs Asian Market
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/6/2009
Address :
125 Gateway Dr,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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CVS PHARMACY 1626
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2003
Address :
30 E Simpson St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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CVS Pharmacy 1636
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/31/2009
Address :
123 Gettysburg Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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CVS Pharmacy 1639
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2010
Address :
105 S Sporting Hill Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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CVS Pharmacy 5991
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/26/2010
Address :
6706 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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DOLLAR GENERAL STORE 1449
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/22/2004
Address :
5034 Hann Way,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Dollar Tree 1716
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/2/2008
Address :
4860 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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DOLLARTREE 6335
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/2/2016
Address :
2 Gettysburg Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Express Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/19/2021
Address :
302 N York St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Giant Food Store 6005
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/23/1992
Address :
6560 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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GIANT FOOD STORE 6120
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/16/1979
Address :
255 Cumberland Pkwy,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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GIANT FOOD STORE 6331
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/16/1979
Address :
5301 Simpson Ferry Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Himalayan Nepali Store, Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2021
Address :
6 Skyport Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Indo Nepali Grocery Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/24/2019
Address :
45 Gateway Dr,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Juba Halal Market
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/19/2017
Address :
5247 Simpson Ferry Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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KARNS FOOD LTD 3
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/20/1971
Address :
4870 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Marrakech Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2017
Address :
5007 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Mediterranean Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/7/2019
Address :
114 S Sporting Hill Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Premium Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2011
Address :
805 W Lisburn Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Quality Gas Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2020
Address :
417 E Main St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Rite Aid 02000
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2010
Address :
330 Cumberland Pkwy,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Rite Aid 04818
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2010
Address :
4965 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Rite Aid 17783
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/19/2008
Address :
7036 Wertzville Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Rite Aid 3613
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2008
Address :
5277 Simpson Ferry Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Rutters Farm Store 29
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2013
Address :
714 W Main St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Sam's Club 4994
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/14/2014
Address :
6520 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Sheetz 195
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/6/1992
Address :
6558 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Sheetz 201
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/1994
Address :
1415 S Market St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Sheetz 518
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/19/2013
Address :
6054 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Sheetz 527
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/22/2013
Address :
5201 Simpson Ferry Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Shree Hardev LLC/ Sun Up Markets
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/14/2014
Address :
101 N Walnut St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Sunoco Gas Station Mechanicsburg
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/19/2020
Address :
5520 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Sunoco Mechanicsburg
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/29/2014
Address :
6025 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Target Stores 2202
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/22/2007
Address :
6416 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
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Tawakal Market Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/27/2021
Address :
1100 E Simpson St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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The Grossery
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/9/2013
Address :
308 Cheryl Ave,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Trindle Thrift & Discount
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/18/2017
Address :
1003 W Trindle Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
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Turkey Hill Minit Markets 236
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2008
Address :
5150 Simpson Ferry Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Get Directions
Turkey Hill Minit Markets 240
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2008
Address :
2130 S Market St,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Get Directions
Turkey Hill Minit Markets 268
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/28/2004
Address :
7040 Wertzville Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Get Directions
Turkey Hill Minit Markets 294
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2009
Address :
6708 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Get Directions
Walmart Supercenter 1886
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/5/2003
Address :
6520 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Get Directions
Wegmans 45
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2007
Address :
6416 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Get Directions
Weis Markets 199
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2002
Address :
2150 Bumble Bee Hollow Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Get Directions
Weis Markets 58
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/11/1979
Address :
5140 Simpson Ferry Rd,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mechanicsburg, 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 Mechanicsburg, 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 Mechanicsburg, 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 Mechanicsburg, 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.