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 Balch Springs, Texas families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Balch Springs, Texas, 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 Balch Springs, Texas, 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 Balch Springs, Texas, 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 Balch Springs, Texas:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Balch Springs, Texas
7-Eleven Convenience Store 35635A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2015
Address :
11900 Lake June Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
7-eleven Convenience Store 36489B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/8/2018
Address :
1700 W Bruton Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Big Five
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2020
Address :
1499 S Peachtree Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Country Boys Beer & Wine
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/24/2014
Address :
10956 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
CVS 7417
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/7/2006
Address :
11820 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL 1221
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2001
Address :
11903 Lake June Rd Ste A,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL 13151
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/21/2001
Address :
3617 Shepherd Ln,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Dollar General 18546
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/3/2018
Address :
12918 Seagoville Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Dollar General 19327
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/25/2017
Address :
11921 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 3729
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/4/2010
Address :
12250 Lake June Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Don Cuco Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/5/2018
Address :
1701 S Peachtree Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Eden's Organic Garden Center Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 10/3/2019
Address :
4710 Pioneer Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
El Mercadito Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/13/2021
Address :
10938 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Family Dollar 11509
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2015
Address :
11327 Seagoville Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 8159
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/20/2010
Address :
4025 Pioneer Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Fuel Zone 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2016
Address :
11331 Lake June Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Grand Stop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/18/2016
Address :
12004 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Hickory Tree Mart Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/24/2021
Address :
11900 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Howdys Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2020
Address :
3620 Shepherd Ln,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Kannala Country Corner
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/11/2021
Address :
11302 Lake June Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
KROGER 492
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/1987
Address :
11925 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
La Carreta Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/1/2009
Address :
11501 Elam Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
La Michoacana Meat Market Dallas 39
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/10/2012
Address :
24315 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Lina's Petroleum, Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/26/2017
Address :
4295 S Belt Line Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
One Stop Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/1/2020
Address :
3708 Shepherd Ln,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Pioneer Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/25/2018
Address :
4210 Pioneer Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
QuikTrip 982
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/29/2009
Address :
12631 Lake June Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Surti- Mercado La Mexicana Supermarket 1
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/13/2021
Address :
4202 Pioneer Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Tote A Bag
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/8/2020
Address :
12331 Lake June Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Valero Corner Store 2744488
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2009
Address :
13105 Seagoville Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Walmart 1118
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/27/1998
Address :
12300 Lake June Rd,
Balch Springs, TX 75180.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Balch Springs, Texas
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Balch Springs, Texas:
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 Texas
| 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 Balch Springs, Texas?
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 Balch Springs, Texas?
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 Balch Springs, Texas.
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.