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 Chester, South Carolina families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Chester, South Carolina, 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 Chester, South Carolina, 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 Chester, South Carolina, 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 Chester, South Carolina:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Chester, South Carolina
99 EXPRESS
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/18/2005
Address :
173 Saluda St,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
BEE'S FOOD MART
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/28/2005
Address :
511 Pinckney Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Bift Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2018
Address :
560 Columbia Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Broad River Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/9/2017
Address :
4415 Pinckney Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
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Center Express
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/6/2021
Address :
300 Center St,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Chester Express
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/28/2013
Address :
203 Pinckney St,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Circle K 2721504
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/2/2010
Address :
1801 J A Cochran Byp,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
CVS PHARMACY 4386
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2009
Address :
592 Lancaster Hwy,
Chester, SC 29706.
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Danny Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2017
Address :
782 Pinckney Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
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Discount Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/24/2020
Address :
2091 J A Cochran Byp,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL 1606
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/2/2004
Address :
129 Cestrain Sq,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Dollar General 18816
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2018
Address :
685 Pinckney Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Dollar General 21758
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/12/2021
Address :
2232 J A Cochran Bypass,
Chester, SC 29706.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 3253
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/10/2004
Address :
543 Lancaster Hwy,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 4685
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2012
Address :
1691 J A Cochran Byp,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 5028
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2009
Address :
2091 J A Cochran Byp,
Chester, SC 29706.
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FOOD LION 2804
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/11/1992
Address :
1436 J A Cochran Byp,
Chester, SC 29706.
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Kj's Market IGA-Chester 39
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2016
Address :
599 Lancaster Hwy,
Chester, SC 29706.
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Lam Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/2021
Address :
538 Old York Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Oz Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2019
Address :
648 Lancaster Hwy,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Pantry Express 430
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/24/2006
Address :
147 Columbia St,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Pantry Express 444
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/24/2006
Address :
1960 J A Cochran Byp # By-Pass,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Quick C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2017
Address :
583 Lancaster Hwy,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Roses Express 682
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/27/2017
Address :
1841 J A Cochran Byp,
Chester, SC 29706.
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Sisks In and Out
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/12/2013
Address :
689 Pinckney Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
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The Chester Market Of Cotton Hills Farm
Store Details :
- Type: Fruits/Veg Specialty
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2013
Address :
131 Church St,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
The Market At Cotton Hills Farm
Store Details :
- Type: Fruits/Veg Specialty
- Authorization Date: 4/25/2019
Address :
2575 Lowrys Hwy,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
VY VY MART
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/20/2007
Address :
642 Saluda Rd,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Walmart SUPERCENTER 1603
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/28/2002
Address :
1691 J A Cochran Byp,
Chester, SC 29706.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Chester, South Carolina
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Chester, South Carolina:
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 South Carolina
| 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 Chester, South Carolina?
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 Chester, South Carolina?
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 Chester, South Carolina.
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.