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 Centralia, Washington families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Centralia, Washington, 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 Centralia, Washington, 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 Centralia, Washington, 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 Centralia, Washington:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Centralia, Washington
24-7 Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/22/2020
Address :
1120 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Apex II Food Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/12/2004
Address :
402 W Main St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Arco Ampm 7103
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/22/2018
Address :
916 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
CENTRALIA FOOD MART
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/16/2003
Address :
102 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Centralia Shop'n Kart
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/29/2011
Address :
505 S Tower Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Crescent Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2019
Address :
21818 Old Highway 99 SW,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Dollar General 20766
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/6/2020
Address :
376 W Reynolds Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Dollar General 22596
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/19/2021
Address :
405 E Summa St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
El Amigo Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2019
Address :
600 N Tower Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
First St. Market 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/21/2016
Address :
812 W 1st St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
FRANZ BAKERY THRIFT 9022
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 10/5/1967
Address :
1107 Grand Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
FREEWAY MART
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2005
Address :
1232 Mellen St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
GOOD HEALTH NUTRITION CENTER
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/19/2001
Address :
503 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
HANDY CORNER
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/22/2005
Address :
1226 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Harrison Super Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/8/2011
Address :
609 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
La Perla
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/6/2017
Address :
1261 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Midway Rv Park Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/10/2016
Address :
3200 Galvin Rd,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
MINK'S COUNTRY MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/27/2007
Address :
205 Downing Rd,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
PAPA MURPHYS WA-041
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 9/20/2001
Address :
1105 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Pearl Street Grocery & Deli
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2020
Address :
2312 N Pearl St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Pioneer Express 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/11/2014
Address :
1325 S Gold St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Quick Stop Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/21/2018
Address :
601 N Tower Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
R & D Petroleum 2 Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/21/2015
Address :
1004 Ellsbury St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Reicherts Choice Meats
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 5/31/2000
Address :
105 W 1st St,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
RITE AID 5284
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/7/2000
Address :
1200 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
SAFEWAY 1495
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/31/1995
Address :
1129 Harrison Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
South Tower Chevron
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/27/2020
Address :
520 S Tower Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Tower Street Shell
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/6/2020
Address :
601 S Tower Ave,
Centralia, WA 98531.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Centralia, Washington
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Centralia, Washington:
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 Washington
| 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 Centralia, Washington?
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 Centralia, Washington?
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 Centralia, Washington.
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.