WIC

WIC began as a pilot program in 1972 and became a permanent program in 1974 under P.L. 94-105. It gained its current name thanks to the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994, which added the word “nutrition” to the program’s name to emphasize the commitment to healthy nutrition. 

WIC is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service under the supervision of the US Department of Agriculture. The FNS submits a budget to Congress every year, who then decides how much funding to allot to WIC, which is then distributed to the states and US territories through grants. 

As for benefits and services, WIC offers free food in the form of actual food packages or vouchers/cards that can be redeemed at grocery stores (see the note on EBT below). Additionally, WIC highly encourages breast-feeding of infants and offers education and guidance related to this. Finally, WIC offers nutrition education, immunization screenings and referrals, and substance abuse referrals. These benefits and services are provided by a variety of locations that include health clinics, hospitals, schools, and community centers. 

A person must apply for WIC benefits through their state or territorial agency. A person’s eligibility depends on multiple factors including residency, income, and a requirement that a health professional considers the applicant or their child to be at “nutrition risk.” In many states, the WIC provides this assessment free of charge. 

WIC is still offering benefits and services in every state, the District of Columbia, US territories, and 34 Indian Tribal Organizations. WIC continued to offer services even during the COVID-19 pandemic. American mothers living with low income can see if they are eligible for any WIC benefits using their state’s/territory’s website or contacting their local agency.

What are SNAP benefits? 

The Food and Nutrition Service also runs another program similar to WIC called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, like WIC, also provides food to low-income households although it has different eligibility requirements and isn’t limited to households with young children. So, it is possible for a person to receive benefits from both SNAP and WIC.

SNAP is popularly—and sometimes disparagingly—referred to as “food stamps”; however, the government no longer officially uses this term.

What is EBT?

Both WIC and SNAP make use of a system known as Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), a system that provides eligible recipients with an EBT card that resembles a debit card from a bank. Every month, a person’s EBT card is loaded with credit from the government that can be used at authorized stores to spend on pre-approved foods.