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New parents: You may qualify for nutritional, health care aid from WIC

With financial stress falling more heavily on Missouri households, many new parents and young children may qualify for assistance from WIC.

The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no
cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, as well as infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk.

Fathers, grandparents, and guardians may also apply for benefits for the children living in their household. Foster children meeting age requirements are automatically eligible to receive WIC benefits.

How can WIC help my family?

WIC helps feed your family's future by providing nutritious food to help you save on groceries, lowering health care costs, and improving your family's health during critical periods of growth and development.

Learn more and apply:

Online: wic.mo.gov

Email: wicinfo@health.mo.gov

By phone: 1-800-TEL-LINK

WIC services and benefits:

  • Breastfeeding counseling and support

  • Personalized nutrition counseling

  • Supplemental, nutritious food

  • Referrals to child care

  • Medical and dental care referrals

  • Health and social service referrals

  • Immunization screenings

Eligibility guidelines

Income guidelines for the WIC program are based on 185% of the poverty level. To compare, SNAP income guidelines are based on 130% of the poverty level. If you are on SNAP and meet an eligibility status listed above, you may qualify for WIC.

Learn more about WIC and how to apply

Go online to wic.mo.gov; email wicinfo@health.mo.gov; or call 1-800-TEL-LINK