The Oregon WIC Program offers foundational nutritional support, helping families across the state thrive.

This service is specifically for expecting mothers, nursing parents, and anyone raising young children.

Understanding how WIC services in OR operate is the first step to accessing valuable resources for your family. It can make a real difference in your household's well-being.

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

What is the Oregon WIC Program?

WIC is a nutrition program providing healthy food and support to pregnant people and families with young children. The Oregon Health Authority has administered the program since 1974, offering services in all 36 counties to help households get a strong start.

Research shows WIC participation leads to healthier pregnancies and improved birth outcomes. Children in the program often have better diets and are more prepared for school, which supports their long-term wellness and development.

Benefits Available Through Oregon WIC

• Supplemental food assistance: Participants receive monthly benefits on an eWIC card, which works like a debit card to buy specific healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole grains at authorized stores.

• Personalized nutrition services: Families can meet with nutrition experts to discuss healthy eating habits, create meal plans, and address any dietary concerns for parents and children.

• Health assessments and screenings: WIC provides free health screenings, including height and weight checks and iron-level testing, to monitor your child’s growth and development.

• Breastfeeding support: Expecting and new parents receive access to lactation consultants, peer counselors, and support groups to help them meet their breastfeeding goals.

• Community connections and referrals: The program connects families to other vital resources, including healthcare providers, immunizations, and additional social services available in OR.

WIC Eligibility for Oregon WIC

WIC serves a wide range of families in Oregon. Eligibility is often broader than many people realize, extending support to households in various situations to promote health and wellness.

Who Qualifies for Oregon WIC

• Pregnant individuals: During their entire pregnancy.

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

• Breastfeeding parents: Up to one year after the baby is born.

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

Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians can apply for WIC on behalf of a child in their care. The program supports all primary caregivers raising young children in OR.

Oregon WIC Income Requirements

To qualify, your household’s gross income must be at or below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. These limits are updated periodically to reflect current federal standards.

Families are automatically income-eligible for WIC if they participate in other assistance programs. These include SNAP, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

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

Nutritional Risk Assessment

A WIC staff member will conduct a brief health and nutrition screening. This is a simple process to identify any nutritional risks and is required for enrollment.

The assessment includes height and weight measurements and a review of your medical history. It also involves a discussion about your family’s eating habits.

A simple blood test to check for low iron may also be performed. This helps ensure both parents and children are getting the nutrients they need.

Most applicants who meet the income guidelines are also found to have a nutritional risk. This assessment helps tailor WIC services to your family’s specific needs.

How to Apply for WIC in Oregon

Applying for WIC in Oregon is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your local WIC clinic or county health department to schedule an appointment. Many clinics offer same-day certification, allowing you to receive benefits quickly after your visit.

Required Documentation for Your Oregon WIC Appointment

You will need to bring documents to verify your eligibility. While some documents may be shown digitally, it is best to check with your local clinic about their specific requirements for paper copies.

• Proof of Identity: Bring a valid ID for yourself and each person applying for WIC. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, birth certificate, hospital records, or a passport.

• Proof of Oregon Residency: You must show that you live in OR. You can use a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or any mail with your name and address. A driver's license with your current 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. This can include recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or self-employment records.

The Oregon WIC Application Process

Your WIC appointment will involve several steps to complete your enrollment. A staff member will guide you through each part of the process.

1. Complete the application: You will fill out an application form with a staff member who will review your household information and documentation.

2. Nutritional assessment: A brief health screening, including height and weight checks, will be conducted for you and your children to identify any nutritional needs.

3. Nutrition education: You will receive personalized nutrition counseling or participate in a short educational activity to support your family’s health goals.

4. Package assignment: Based on your assessment, you will be assigned a specific food package tailored to your family's nutritional requirements.

5. eWIC card issuance: You will receive an eWIC card and learn how to use it to purchase approved foods at authorized grocery stores.

Maintaining Your Oregon WIC Benefits

To continue receiving benefits, you must participate in regular follow-up appointments, typically every two to three months. These appointments include required nutrition education, which may be offered online or in person.

You will also need to complete a recertification periodically to confirm your eligibility. Certification periods vary depending on your status.

• 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 Oregon WIC

It is important to keep your information up to date. You must contact your WIC office if any of the following circumstances change:

• Your address or phone number changes.

• You become pregnant or a new baby or child joins your household.

• Your breastfeeding status changes.

• Your household income changes significantly.

• You start or stop participating in SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF.