The North Carolina WIC Program offers nutritional support to families across the state. This service is designed for expecting mothers, nursing parents, and anyone raising young children. Understanding how NC's WIC services operate helps you make the most of the available resources for your family's well-being.

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

What is the North Carolina WIC Program?

The WIC program provides healthy foods and support services to women, infants, and children. In North Carolina, the program is run by the Department of Health and Human Services. It has served families in all 100 counties since it began in the state back in 1974.

Participation in WIC is linked to better health for families. Studies show it contributes to fewer premature births and healthier babies. Children on WIC often have improved diets and better access to regular healthcare, supporting their development and long-term wellness.

Benefits Available Through North Carolina WIC

• Supplemental Food Assistance: Participants receive monthly benefits for specific healthy foods on an eWIC card, which works like a debit card at approved grocery stores.

• Personalized Nutrition Services: Registered dietitians and nutritionists offer one-on-one counseling. They provide guidance tailored to your family’s health needs and goals.

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

• Breastfeeding Support: The program offers counseling, classes, and support from peer counselors. NC WIC also provides resources like the Ready, Set, Baby app to help new mothers on their journey.

• Community Connections and Referrals: WIC connects families to other vital services. These can include immunizations, medical care, substance abuse counseling, and other community support programs.

WIC Eligibility for North Carolina WIC

Many families in North Carolina can receive WIC benefits. The program is designed to support a wide range of households, and eligibility is often broader than people realize. You may qualify even if you are working or have private health insurance.

Who Qualifies for North Carolina WIC

• Pregnant individuals: Throughout their entire pregnancy.

• Postpartum individuals: Up to six months after giving birth.

• Breastfeeding parents: Up to one year after giving birth.

• Infants and children: From birth up until their fifth birthday.

You do not have to be a mother to apply for a child. Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians of a child under five can all apply for WIC benefits on behalf of the child in their care.

North Carolina WIC Income Requirements

To qualify, your household's gross income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The program reviews your total income before taxes or any other deductions are taken out. These limits are updated annually.

You are automatically considered income-eligible for WIC if you or your family members participate in other benefit programs. These include Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF (Work First in NC).

When determining your household size, be sure to count any unborn children. For example, a pregnant person with no other children would count as a household of two.

Nutritional Risk Assessment

A health professional will conduct a nutritional assessment at your WIC appointment. This involves taking basic health measurements like height and weight. A simple blood test to check for anemia may also be performed.

The appointment also includes a discussion about your family's dietary habits and a review of your medical history. This helps the staff understand your specific nutritional needs and provide tailored support.

Most applicants who meet the income guidelines are also found to have a nutritional risk. These risks can be based on medical conditions or dietary factors and are a standard part of the qualification process.

How to Apply for WIC in North Carolina

To apply for WIC, you first need to contact your local WIC clinic or county health department to schedule an appointment. Depending on the clinic's availability, you may be able to get certified and receive your benefits on the same day you apply.

Required Documentation for Your North Carolina WIC Appointment

You will need to bring documents to your appointment to verify your eligibility. Ask your local clinic if digital copies are accepted for certain documents.

• Proof of Identity: You must show a valid ID for yourself and each person applying. This can include a driver's license, birth certificate, military ID, hospital records, or a passport.

• Proof of North Carolina Residency: You need to show you live in NC. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or a driver's license with your current address. Mail sent to you at your address also works.

• Income Documentation: If you are not enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you must provide proof of your household's total income. Bring recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or self-employment records.

The North Carolina WIC Application Process

Your WIC appointment will involve several steps, which are all completed with the help of WIC staff.

1. Complete the application: You will fill out the necessary forms with your household information. A staff member will guide you through the paperwork.

2. Nutritional assessment: A health professional will conduct a nutritional assessment, which includes checking height, weight, and iron levels.

3. Nutrition education: You will receive personalized nutrition counseling or participate in a short class. This is tailored to your family's needs.

4. Package assignment: Based on your assessment, you will be assigned a specific food package. This lists the foods you can buy each month.

5. eWIC card issuance: You will receive your eWIC card and learn how to use it. Benefits are loaded onto this card monthly.

Maintaining Your North Carolina WIC Benefits

To keep your WIC benefits, you must attend regular appointments, typically every two to three months. These visits often include required nutrition education, which can be completed online or in person. Your eligibility is reviewed periodically through a process called recertification.

Certification periods vary by participant category:

• Pregnant individuals: Certified for the duration of the pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding parents: Certified for up to one year postpartum.

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

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

Reporting Changes to North Carolina WIC

You must contact your WIC office if certain life circumstances change. Promptly report any of the following updates to staff:

• Changes to your address or phone number.

• You become pregnant.

• A new baby or child joins your household.

• Your breastfeeding status changes.

• Your household income changes significantly.

• You start or stop receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.