WIC provides pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under age five with healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other helpful services.
WIC
The Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides monthly food benefits that can be redeemed at approximately 2,800 authorized retail food vendors statewide. WIC benefits are given on an easy-to-use eWIC card that works like a debit card.
WIC moms and kids get $26-$52/month each to buy fruits and veggies!
That's 3-4 times more than before!
OVERVIEW
Benefits
450,000 infants, children, and pregnant mothers receive nutrition services and healthy food from WIC.
(NYSDOH, Dec. 2024)
Participation
Since 2020, NYS WIC participation has grown nearly 25%, now reaching about 66% of the eligible population.
(2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul)
Young Children
Only 44.8% of eligible young children age 1-4 participated in WIC in 2022, compared to 68.6% of eligible infants.
(NYSDOH, 2024)
Return on Investment
Every dollar invested in WIC saves an estimated $2.48 in medical, educational, and productivity costs.
(NWA, 2024)
WIC Eligibility
Women may be eligible for WIC if they are:
- Pregnant
- A mother of a baby up to 6 months old
- A mother of a breastfeeding baby up to 12 months old
- Have a child under age 5
To get WIC, a mother and/or her child must:
- Meet age and other eligibility requirements
- Live in New York State
- Have an income below a certain threshold or participate in Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, the Essential Plan, or Head Start/Early Head Start
Note: Primary caregivers can apply for WIC benefits for a child in their care, if the child is under age 5.
Benefits of participation
Food insecurity in infancy and early childhood can have long-term health impacts. WIC participation is associated with healthier births, improved birth weights, reduced risk of infant mortality, better infant-feeding practices, more nutritious diets, better access to primary and preventive health care, healthier neighborhood food environments, and improved cognitive development and academic achievement in childhood.
WIC Outreach Resource Center
Promote the benefits of WIC! Find outreach materials to use in your community here.
Learn more: USDA WIC, NYS WIC program
We can help
We can provide you with WIC outreach materials, program information, and ways to help promote WIC in your communities. Contact Misha Marvel, Manager, Early Childhood Nutrition Policy & Engagement, for assistance.
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