How WIC Works

What is WIC?

The WIC Program helps keep your family healthy and strong by providing:

• Breastfeeding support, including help getting a breast pump.
• Individualized nutrition information and feeding tips for your family.
• Referrals to other community programs and health services.
• Wholesome foods for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children under 5 years old.

Am I Eligible for WIC?

To qualify for WIC in Wisconsin, you must:

• Live in Wisconsin.
• Make a certain amount of money.
• Need help with health, nutrition, or breastfeeding support.

And one of these must apply:

• You are pregnant now or had a baby in the past six months.
• You are providing your breastmilk to a WIC enrolled baby under 1 year of age.
• You care for a child younger than 5 years of age.

You may also qualify if your family is enrolled in FoodShare, Medicaid, or BadgerCare Plus. Children under 5 years old who are in foster or kinship care automatically qualify for WIC services. 

Not sure if you qualify?

Call 715-726-7903. A WIC staff member can check your eligibility over the phone. Check updated income eligibility details.

How do I apply for WIC?

1. Schedule an appointment by calling 715-726-7903 or applying online. If you apply online, WIC staff will call you to set up your appointment.
2. Gather your documents: proof of address, identification for all applicants, and income or program participation.
3. Meet with WIC staff in person or by phone to complete your assessment. WIC staff will:
   • Check your documents.
   • Complete a short health screening (height, weight, and hemoglobin screening by pulse oximeter or small finger stick).
   • Talk with a Registered or Certified Dietitian about your nutrition needs and determine the best WIC foods for you.
4. Activate your eWIC card with loaded benefits and show you how to use your card. Benefits start right away with no waiting period.

When & Where Do I Visit the Clinic?

Clinic visits may be in person or virtual. Staff will explain what to expect at your appointment and answer questions. View or download the Clinic Hours and Locations (PDF).

Where Can I Shop With WIC?

You can use your eWIC card at any approved grocery stores and vendors in Wisconsin. These include the following stores in Chippewa County:

• Family Fare, Chippewa Falls, Bay Street
• Festival Foods, Chippewa Falls
• Hansen's IGA, Stanley
• KJ's Fresh Market, Cornell
• Shadick's Price Rite Foods, Bloomer
• Walgreens, Chippewa Falls (formula products only)
• Walmart, Lake Hallie location

How Do I Use My WIC Benefits?

• Download the Wisconsin MyWIC App in the Apple Store or Google Play Store to:  
  • Find WIC stores near you.
  • Get WIC messages and alerts.
  • Scan food items to check if they are WIC approved.
  • View your benefit balance.
• Use the WIC Approved Foods booklet, available in:
  • WIC-Approved Food Booklet - English (PDF)
  • WIC-Approved Food Booklet - Spanish (PDF)
• Watch the video below to learn more about shopping with WIC.

Additional Resources

• Breastfeeding Support
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program
  • Available June through October
• Places to Play Guide (PDF)

Note: The eWIC card can be used in any WIC-approved store in Wisconsin.

Nondiscrimination Statement

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Read our Nondiscrimination Statement.