Anne Arundel County Department of Health - Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

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Updated 3.31.08
Phone: 410-222-6797 WIC pic

What is WIC?

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women, infants and children up to age five. Benefits include healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding information and referrals to other programs. Applicants are seen by appointment.

What services does WIC provide?
What foods does WIC provide?
Who is eligible?
Where are WIC offices located?
What do I bring to my appointment?
What happens at my appointment?
Where can I get more information on breastfeeding?
What if my baby needs formula?

What services does WIC provide?

Nutrition and Health Education

provides individual and group nutrition sessions
counsels high risk patients with special dietary needs
promotes healthy food choices
teaches the relationship between nutrition and good health

Breastfeeding Education and Support

supports breastfeeding women (lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselors)
promotes breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method
provides breastfeeding aids (including pumps)
makes referrals to breastfeeding resources in the local community

Referrals and Service Information

provides individuals not receiving medical care with referrals to medical care services
refers routinely to: immunizations, substance abuse counseling, health care coverage, dental care and lead screening
accepts and provides follow-up on referrals from area health care partners

What foods does WIC provide?

WIC foods improve the diets and health of women and children on WIC. As a result, pregnant women are less likely to have low birth weight babies. Children grow better and are less likely to have low iron.

Milk and Cheese: Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Zinc
Eggs: Protein, Vitamin A, Zinc
Beans: Protein, Iron, Folate
Cereals: Iron, Folate, Zinc
Peanut Butter: Protein
Juices: Vitamin C, Folate (Vitamin A if vegetable juice)
Iron Fortified Infant Formula: (for non-breastfed infants) May be limited to specific brands

Who is eligible?

Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Postpartum Women; Infants; and Children under five years of age, must meet the following requirements for WIC eligibility:

Meet income guidelines (Foster children, Medical Assistance and food stamp clients are income eligible).
Live in Anne Arundel County.

Call 410-222-6797 for an appointment.

Where are WIC offices located in Anne Arundel County?

Annapolis and Glen Burnie

What do I bring to my appointment?

Each woman and child applying for WIC needs to be present.
Identification for each person: This may be a birth certificate, driver's license, crib card, social security card or medical record.
Proof of Residency: A document, a bill or official mail with your name and address on it.
Proof of Income: Pay stubs showing gross income for the household or active Medical Assistance cards, Independence cards and/or social services grant letter.
Proof of Pregnancy (if pregnant): Pregnancy test results or a note from your health care provider.

What happens at my appointment?

Your proof of income and address will be reviewed. For all applicants, height and weight will be checked and a drop of blood will be taken to check for iron level. You will be asked about your health and the foods you eat. You will receive nutrition education.

If you are found eligible for WIC, you will receive a WIC ID folder and your first set of checks with instructions on how to purchase eligible food items at WIC authorized stores.

List of Stores (downloadable pdf).

Where can I get more information on breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start. It has many benefits for babies and moms. Doctors recommend babies be breastfed for at least the whole first year.

Anne Arundel County WIC Program (Lactation Consultant and peer counselors)- 410-222-0085
Breastfeeding Support Groups and Class Schedule:

WIC Breastfeeding Classes and Support Groups

Breastfeeeding Resource Center - 410-987-7756
La Leche League
National Women's Health Information Center - 1-800-994-WOMAN
Special Beginnings Birth and Women's Center - 410-626-8982
Hospital Lactation Consultants

Anne Arundel Medical Center - 443-481-6977
University of Maryland Medical Center - 410-328-3512
Mercy Hospital - 410-332-9604
St. Agnes Hospital- 410-368-2624

What if my baby needs formula?

WIC provides the Ross line of standard milk-based and soy-based iron fortified formulas, which are Similac Advance, Isomil Advance and Similac Sensitive. Maryland WIC will not provide other standard milk-based and soy based formulas (such as Enfamil Lipil, Enfamil Lactofree Lipil, GentLease Lipil, Prosobee Lipil, Good Start Supreme and Good Start Supreme Soy). WIC will provide specialty formulas with appropriate medical documentation regardless of the manufacturer. In that case, the WIC Referral Form specifying the reason and the prescribed formula needs to be completed by a doctor. Please note that WIC may not always be able to provide the product prescribed. Non-specific symptoms such as intolerance, fussiness, colic, spitting up, gas and constipation will not be considered indications for a special formula.
Picture of WIC logo

WIC Referral Form (downloadable pdf)