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Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

Updated: 01.29.2013
Phone: 410-222-6797

What is WIC?

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. Benefits include healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding information and referrals to other programs. Applicants are seen by appointment.

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

  • Breastfeeding Support Resources (PDF)
  • 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 Authorized Food List

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, Vitamin D, Zinc
  • Eggs: Protein, Vitamin A, Zinc
  • Beans, Peas or Lentils: Protein, Iron, Folate, Zinc, Fiber, Magnesium
  • Cereal: Iron, Folate, Zinc, Fiber
  • 100% Whole Wheat Bread/Tortillas or Brown Rice: Fiber, B Vitamins, Magnesium
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Fiber, Vitamins A and C, Potassium, Folate
  • Peanut Butter: Protein, Niacin, Magnesium, Vitamin E
  • 100% Juice: Vitamin C, Folate
  • Iron Fortified Infant Formula: (For Non-Breastfed Infants). May be limited to specific brands.

WIC Authorized Foods List (PDF)

Who is eligible?

Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women; infants; and children under 5 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. (See childhood immunizations.)
  • 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 (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.

What if my baby needs formula?

WIC provides the following standard milk-based and soy-based iron fortified formulas: Similac Advance, Enfamil Prosobee and Similac Sensitive for Fussiness & Gas. Maryland WIC will not provide other standard milk-based and soy-based formulas (such as Enfamil, Similac Isomil Soy, or Good Start products). WIC will provide specialty formulas with appropriate medical documentation regardless of the manufacturer. In that case, the WIC Medical Documentation 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.

 

More information: