Rhode Island WIC Customer Service

The Rhode Island WIC team is here to help you. Whether you have questions about your benefits or need assistance with the program, support is readily available to guide you.

Rhode Island WIC State Office

For statewide inquiries, you can contact the main WIC office. The most current contact information can be found on the official RI Department of Health website, including:

• The program’s main phone number, which may include a toll-free option.

• The full mailing address for correspondence.

• The official Rhode Island WIC website URL for resources.

Find Your Local County WIC Office

For direct assistance, contacting your local county WIC office is best. Clinics are located in several counties across the state. Staff at these locations are available to help you with your application, answer questions, and provide personalized support.

Rhode Island WIC App

Manage your benefits easily with the official Rhode Island WIC app. The application allows you to perform several actions from your phone.

• Check your benefit balance in real-time.

• Scan items at the store to see if they are WIC-approved.

• Locate WIC-authorized grocery stores near you.

• View reminders for your upcoming appointments.

• Access your family’s current shopping list.

For Questions About Civil Rights or Equal Access

If you have questions about civil rights or equal access, you can contact the program's civil rights coordinator. Their name and contact details are available through the state WIC office or on the official program website.

Office Hours

WIC clinics typically operate during standard business hours on weekdays. However, specific hours can vary by location. It is always a good idea to call your local office to confirm their hours of operation before visiting.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for help. The dedicated WIC staff is committed to supporting you and your family throughout your entire journey with the program, from application to using your benefits.

Transferring Rhode Island WIC Benefits When Moving

If you are moving to a different county within Rhode Island, contact the WIC office in your new area. Bring your current eWIC card and any documentation from your previous clinic to help make the transfer process seamless and continue your benefits without interruption.

Moving out of state requires a few extra steps to transfer your benefits smoothly:

1. Request a Verification of Certification (VOC) form from your current RI WIC office.

2. Use your remaining benefits in Rhode Island before you move, if possible.

3. Contact the WIC program in your new state as soon as you arrive.

4. Schedule an appointment and bring your VOC form to complete the transfer.

Each state operates its own eWIC card system. Your Rhode Island eWIC card will only work at authorized retailers within RI. You will be issued a new card from your new state’s WIC program once you are enrolled there.

Shopping with Rhode Island WIC Benefits

Rhode Island WIC provides specific food packages tailored to your family's life stage and nutritional needs. Your benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores for approved items.

Rhode Island WIC Approved Foods

Your food package includes a variety of healthy foods from the main food groups. The specific items and amounts depend on whether you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or purchasing for an infant or child.

• Fruits and vegetables: A monthly cash value benefit (CVB) for fresh, frozen, or canned options. This is typically $26 for children, $47 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for breastfeeding participants.

• Dairy products: Low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt.

• Protein sources: Eggs, peanut butter, and dried or canned beans and peas. Canned fish is available for fully breastfeeding participants.

• Whole grains: 100% whole-wheat bread, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, corn tortillas, and approved cereals.

• Other items: 100% fruit or vegetable juice, infant formula, infant cereal, and baby food fruits and vegetables.

Recent updates have improved food packages. You will find more whole grain options, items with reduced sugar, and a wider variety of culturally appropriate foods. The program also offers more flexibility with formula amounts and package sizes.

Special Dietary Needs in Rhode Island

The program accommodates many dietary needs, including lactose-free milk, allergy-friendly substitutions like soy milk, and certain cultural food preferences. Medically necessary formulas are also available with a prescription from your doctor.

Always discuss any dietary concerns or special requests with your WIC nutritionist. They can help customize your food package to meet your family’s specific health requirements and ensure you get the most from your benefits.

Using Your Rhode Island eWIC Card at Stores

Shopping with your eWIC card is simple once you know the process. Following a few steps can help make your trips to the grocery store smooth and successful.

• Before Shopping: Download the official Rhode Island WIC app to manage your benefits. Check your current benefit balance and review the approved foods list for specific brands and sizes.

• While Shopping: Look for WIC shelf tags that identify approved items in the aisles. It is a good idea to purchase your fresh fruits and vegetables early in the month to use the full value.

• At Checkout: Use your eWIC card before any other form of payment, like SNAP or a debit card. The system automatically deducts all eligible WIC items from your purchase. Always save your receipt to check your remaining benefit balance.

Many stores across RI accept eWIC. Major retailers include Stop & Shop, Shaw's, Walmart, and Price Rite. You can find a complete list of authorized stores in your WIC app or on the state's WIC website.

Infant Formula Coverage in Rhode Island

Rhode Island WIC provides infant formula to support your family's needs. The program works with you to determine the right amount and type of formula for your baby, respecting your individual feeding choices and circumstances.

Formula Amount Determination

• Your baby’s age

• The feeding method, such as exclusively formula-fed or combined with breastfeeding

• The type of formula, including standard, soy-based, or specialized options

• The form of formula, like powder or liquid concentrate

RI WIC contracts with specific formula manufacturers. Participants receive the contracted brand unless a medical need requires an alternative. Special medical formulas are available with documentation from a healthcare provider to accommodate your baby’s health needs.

Nutrition Education in Rhode Island WIC

Rhode Island WIC requires participants to complete nutrition education. To accommodate busy schedules, the program offers multiple learning formats. This flexibility helps you gain valuable knowledge about healthy eating for your family.

You can choose from several education options that fit your lifestyle. Available formats include:

• In-person sessions, either one-on-one or in a group setting

• Online learning modules you can complete at your own pace

• Virtual appointments via video or phone with a nutritionist

• Educational materials like printed resources, recipe cards, and meal planning guides

The education sessions cover a wide range of practical topics. These are designed to support your family’s health at every stage. Common subjects include:

• Healthy eating during pregnancy

• Infant feeding and introducing solid foods

• Meal planning on a budget

• Food safety and proper preparation techniques

• Managing nutrition-related health conditions

• Child development and feeding behaviors