{
  "id": "wic",
  "name": "WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Special Supplemental Nutrition Program)",
  "jurisdiction": "state:MN",
  "category": "food",
  "source": "MN Department of Health WIC Program; 7 CFR Part 246; MN Statutes 145.892",
  "description": "WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federally funded nutrition assistance program administered in Minnesota by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). WIC provides free healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services for eligible participants. The program targets a critical window of child development and maternal health, with the goal of improving health outcomes and reducing disparities.\n\nWIC serves four categories of participants: pregnant women (through pregnancy), postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth or end of pregnancy), breastfeeding women (up to 12 months after birth), and infants and children up to age 5. Each category has specific benefits tailored to nutritional needs.\n\nIncome eligibility is set at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026: 1 person at 185% FPL = $28,953/year ($2,413/month); 2 people = $38,906/year ($3,242/month); 3 people = $48,859/year ($4,072/month); 4 people = $58,812/year ($4,901/month). Participants who already receive SNAP, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or MFIP are automatically income-eligible for WIC — they do not need to provide separate income documentation.\n\nApplicants must also demonstrate a nutritional risk, as assessed by a WIC health professional. Almost all applicants meet this criterion; common nutritional risks include being pregnant, being a young child, low dietary intake, anemia, or low/high weight for height. The nutritional risk assessment is done at the WIC clinic.\n\nWIC provides a monthly benefit through an EBT card (the MN WIC card) that can be used to purchase specific approved foods at authorized retailers. Foods include: milk, eggs, cheese, whole grain bread, peanut butter, beans, canned fish, fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned), and infant formula. For fully breastfeeding women, a larger food package is provided. Infants receive iron-fortified formula if not breastfed, and age-appropriate foods as they grow.\n\nAdditionally, WIC provides breastfeeding support including peer counseling, lactation consultants, and breast pumps. WIC staff provide nutrition education and refer participants to other programs including Medical Assistance, Head Start, and food assistance programs.\n\nWIC is available year-round with no waiting period. There is no citizenship requirement — even undocumented immigrants are eligible. Participants re-certify eligibility every 6-12 months depending on their category.",
  "eligibility_summary": "Pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months), or breastfeeding women; infants; children under age 5. Income at or below 185% FPL (2026: $2,413/month for 1 person, $3,242 for 2, $4,072 for 3, $4,901 for 4). OR automatically eligible if receiving SNAP, Medical Assistance, or MFIP. Must have a nutritional risk (assessed at clinic — nearly universal). No citizenship requirement. Minnesota resident.",
  "benefit_amounts": "Monthly WIC EBT card loaded with specific food benefits. Typical monthly food package value: approximately $60-$100+ depending on category and whether breastfeeding. Also includes breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, and breast pumps at no cost.",
  "documents_required": "Proof of identity (for each participant — can be informal for infants), proof of residency (address), proof of income OR proof of SNAP/MA/MFIP enrollment. Pregnant women need documentation of pregnancy (can be self-reported or from provider).",
  "application_url": "https://www.health.state.mn.us/wic",
  "contact": "WIC information and clinic finder: 1-800-942-4030 or visit your local WIC clinic. Find a clinic at health.state.mn.us/wic/local"
}