If you are pregnant, a new parent, or caring for a young child in Hempstead, Texas, this guide explains what WIC is, how it works, and how to find a store.
Jump to: What is WIC? | Eligibility | How to apply | Income limits | FAQs
Stores to Check for WIC in Hempstead, Texas
We list 19 stores to check in Hempstead. Each state authorizes its own WIC stores, and this list hasn’t been checked against your state’s WIC list, so it may include stores that don’t accept WIC. The date on a listing comes from our store records and isn’t a WIC approval date. Before you shop, confirm with the store or your state WIC agency.
1488 Shell
Address: 1945 Fm 1488 Rd, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 4/29/2019
A & M Food Mart
Address: 746 University Dr, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 10/30/2019
ALAMEDA MEAT MARKET 3
Address: 825 Austin St, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Supermarket
Date on our store record: 4/19/2010
Arlan's Markets 21
Address: 1005 12th St, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Supermarket
Date on our store record: 2/23/2015
BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS 61
Address: 300 Business Highway 290 N, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Super Store
Date on our store record: 5/23/1996
Carnicerias Teloloapan 5 Inc 5
Address: 1006 12th St, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Medium Grocery Store
Date on our store record: 7/22/2015
Circle K 2742590
Address: 946 Austin St, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 4/14/2008
Di Iorio Farm Partnership
Address: 750 Business Highway 290 E, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 7/23/2020
Dollar General 16903
Address: 406 University Dr, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 7/5/2016
DOLLAR GENERAL 4810
Address: 560 Business Highway 290 N, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 5/19/2004
Family Dollar 10931
Address: 105 Highway 290 Bus, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Combination Grocery/Other
Date on our store record: 11/20/2014
Killian Meat Market
Address: 460 Highway 290 N, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Medium Grocery Store
Date on our store record: 10/26/2011
KROLCZYK MEATS & DRIVE IN
Address: 47506 Bus 290, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Medium Grocery Store
Date on our store record: 4/11/1984
Lewis Grocery And Deli
Address: 500 Highway 290 N, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 12/16/2021
On Track II Business, Inc.
Address: 1925 13th St, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 2/13/2019
Pilot Travel Center 573
Address: 2000 Fm 1488 Rd, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 5/14/2018
Sunny's Hempstead
Address: 45 Austin St, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 8/25/2021
The Hills Food Store
Address: 735 21st St, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Convenience Store
Date on our store record: 3/31/2020
Walmart STORE 951
Address: 625 Highway 290 E, Hempstead, TX 77445. Get Directions
Type: Super Store
Date on our store record: 11/26/2003
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 families in Hempstead, Texas who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Hempstead, 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 Hempstead, Texas. WIC uses 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, and you may automatically qualify on income if you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF.
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 Hempstead, Texas, follow these steps:
1. Find a local WIC agency: Use the list of state WIC agency contacts or your state’s WIC 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 your WIC benefits: If you are eligible, you will receive WIC benefits, usually on a WIC card, 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
Each state authorizes its own WIC stores, so acceptance varies. Read our guides to what to check at various stores in Hempstead, Texas:
- Superstores (Walmart, Target, Kroger)
- Specialty stores
- Farmers markets
- Local food co-ops (All Stores)
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Hempstead, Texas
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Hempstead, 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 card: Make sure to bring your WIC card or other WIC benefits 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 |
WIC Income Limits in Texas
These federal limits are 185% of the poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, D.C., Guam and U.S. territories, in effect from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Your WIC agency decides whether you qualify, and you must also meet the other requirements. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement.
| Household size | Yearly income limit | Monthly income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 |
| Each additional person | +$10,508 | +$876 |
Source: USDA WIC income eligibility guidelines, Federal Register, April 29, 2026.
Federal Poverty Limit in Texas
WIC uses a limit of 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, which falls between the two columns below. The WIC limits above show the amounts. For the official notice, see the USDA WIC income guidelines. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement.
| POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Persons in Family | Poverty Limit(100%) | Poverty Limit(200%) |
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $111,440 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person. | ||
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the income limit to qualify for WIC in Hempstead, Texas?
WIC uses a limit of 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, and the amount depends on household size. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement. See the WIC income limits and Federal Poverty Limit sections above and the USDA WIC income guidelines.
2. Can I apply for WIC if I am an undocumented immigrant?
Federal law does not limit WIC by immigration status, but states can set their own rules, so ask your local WIC clinic. A federal public charge rule took effect on September 18, 2026, and it does not clearly say whether WIC can be considered in some immigration decisions. If you are worried, talk to an immigration attorney or legal aid office before you apply.
3. How often can I visit a WIC store in Hempstead, Texas?
It depends on your benefit period. Your local WIC agency will explain when your benefits become available and when they expire.
4. Can I use my WIC benefits at any grocery store?
No, WIC benefits can only be used at WIC-approved stores in Hempstead, Texas. Confirm with the store or your state WIC agency.
5. Can I use my WIC card in another state?
You cannot use one state’s WIC card in another state. However, if you relocate, you can go to the new state’s WIC agency to update your WIC card.
The new agency will verify your eligibility, and you can continue to receive benefits in the new state.
6. What should I do if I lose my WIC card or benefits?
If you lose your WIC card or benefits, contact your local WIC agency immediately to ask about a replacement.