The Missouri WIC Program provides nutritional support to families across the state, helping build a healthy foundation. It caters to expecting mothers, nursing parents, and those raising young children. Understanding how MO's WIC services work is beneficial for your family's well-being.

This guide will walk you through WIC eligibility and the application process. We will also cover using your benefits while shopping and how WIC works with other programs, including SNAP.

What is the Missouri WIC Program?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services has administered the program since 1974, serving families in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis.

WIC participation is linked to better health outcomes. Research shows it contributes to fewer premature births and healthier babies. Children on WIC often have improved diets and are better prepared for school, supporting long-term wellness.

Benefits Available Through Missouri WIC

• Supplemental Food Assistance: Participants receive monthly benefits on an eWIC card to buy specific healthy foods like milk, eggs, and fresh produce. The national average benefit is about $63 per person each month.

• Personalized Nutrition Services: Registered dietitians and nutritionists offer one-on-one counseling. They help you make healthy choices for your family’s specific needs and eating habits.

• Health Assessments and Screenings: WIC provides free health checks, including height, weight, and iron levels. These screenings help monitor your child’s growth and development.

• Breastfeeding Support: MO WIC offers education, counseling, and support from peer counselors. The program also provides resources like breast pumps to help mothers succeed.

• Community Connections and Referrals: WIC connects families to other important services. These can include healthcare, immunizations, and other social or community programs.

WIC Eligibility for Missouri WIC

WIC serves families from many backgrounds, and its eligibility is broader than most people realize. The program is designed to support those who need it most during critical growth stages, so it is worth checking if your family qualifies.

Who Qualifies for Missouri WIC

• Pregnant individuals

• Postpartum individuals, up to six months after delivery

• Breastfeeding parents, up to one year after delivery

• Infants and children up to their fifth birthday

Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians can apply for WIC on behalf of a child in their care. The program recognizes various caregiving situations and encourages all eligible caregivers to apply for benefits for the children they raise.

Missouri WIC Income Requirements

To qualify, your household's gross income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. These limits are updated annually to reflect current economic conditions. Your local WIC agency can confirm the current income thresholds for you.

Families receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are automatically income-eligible for WIC. You will not need to provide separate income proof if you are enrolled in one of these programs.

When determining your household size, remember to count your unborn child. For example, a pregnant individual with no other children would count as a household of two. For households with more than eight people, add $830 monthly for each additional member.

Nutritional Risk Assessment

A brief health and nutrition screening is required. This is a simple check-in with WIC staff to identify any nutritional needs your family may have. The appointment is confidential and conducted by a qualified health professional.

The assessment includes basic measurements like height and weight. It may also involve a simple blood test for iron, a review of medical history, and a discussion about eating habits. This screening helps tailor WIC benefits to your family's specific needs.

Most applicants who meet the income guidelines also qualify based on this nutritional risk assessment. The goal is to identify any potential health issues early and provide support through nutrition education and healthy foods.

How to Apply for WIC in Missouri

Applying for WIC in Missouri is a straightforward process. You begin by contacting your local WIC clinic or county health department to schedule an appointment. Some clinics may offer same-day certification, allowing you to receive benefits right after your appointment is complete.

Required Documentation for Your Missouri WIC Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, you will need to gather a few documents. Bringing the correct paperwork helps the process go smoothly and quickly.

• Proof of Identity: You must provide a valid ID for yourself and each family member applying. This can include a driver’s license, birth certificate, hospital records, or a passport.

• Proof of Missouri Residency: You need to show that you live in MO. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, or other mail showing your current address.

• Income Documentation: If you are not enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you must provide proof of your household’s total income. This can include recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer.

It is best to ask your local clinic if they accept digital copies of documents or if you need to bring paper versions.

The Missouri WIC Application Process

Your WIC appointment involves several simple steps to get you enrolled and ready to receive benefits.

1. First, you will complete an application form with your family’s information.

2. A staff member will conduct a nutritional assessment, which includes checking height, weight, and iron levels.

3. You will participate in a brief nutrition education session to discuss healthy eating for your family.

4. Based on the assessment, WIC staff will assign a specific food package tailored to your needs.

5. Finally, you will be issued an eWIC card and shown how to use it at approved grocery stores.

Maintaining Your Missouri WIC Benefits

Once enrolled, you must attend regular appointments to continue receiving benefits. These are typically scheduled every two to three months to check in on your family’s health and nutritional needs.

You will also need to complete ongoing nutrition education. This can often be done online or during your in-person appointments, offering flexibility for busy families.

Benefits are provided for set certification periods. You must recertify before your period ends to continue participating in the program without interruption.

• Pregnant individuals: Certified through pregnancy and for up to six weeks postpartum.

• Breastfeeding parents: Certified for up to one year after giving birth.

• Non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals: Certified for up to six months after delivery.

• Infants and children: Certified for six months to a year at a time, with recertification required until their fifth birthday.

Reporting Changes to Missouri WIC

It is important to keep your local WIC office informed of any changes in your family’s circumstances. This helps ensure you receive the correct benefits and communications.

• A new address or phone number.

• If you become pregnant again.

• If a new baby or child joins your household.

• Any change in your breastfeeding status.

• A significant change in your household income.

• If you start or stop receiving benefits from Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.