WIC operates with local agencies which give its users a list of stores where they can use their WIC benefits. You cannot buy just anything in CVS using WIC there are some select items that you can easily purchase like;

Baby food that has fruit, meat, and vegetablesInfant cereal and formulaBreakfast cerealYogurt peanut butter canned foods like fish and beanscheesejuicemilk

In addition, it is important to recognize that each state approves WIC vendors individually so you should find out from the local store if they are WIC approved.

WIC

WIC is an American agency that provides federal grants to different states to give food supplements, health care referrals, and educate people on how to eat healthily. They mostly focus on low-income pregnant women who cannot afford quality care for themselves, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and children up to the age of 5 who are deemed to be at nutritional risk. WIC serves about half of all infants born in the US.

Benefits of WIC

The people who participate in WIC usually enjoy having nutritious foods supplements, education on nutrition, and counseling at WIC clinics, as well as being screened and referred to other healthcare facilities, welfare, and/or social services.

WIC eligibility

Although it is a federal grant program, the individual states are responsible for choosing their participants as well as giving benefits and authorizing vendors for the program. To be a participant in this program you will need to contact the state or local agency using their official website or toll-free number to set up an appointment.

There are specific criteria that you must meet so that you can be eligible for the WIC benefits.

Categorical requirementNutritional risk requirementResidential requirementIncome requirement

The program is designed to only serve people who are in certain categories. That is women who are pregnant, who are in the postpartum face or are breastfeeding.  Also serves infants and children up to age 5. All those who do not fit in these categories cannot enjoy WIC benefits.

Nutrition risk, in this case, means that the participant has a medical-based or dietary-based condition like anemia which has to be determined and confirmed by a health professional like a physician, nurse, or nutritionist. This is usually done at the WIC clinic at no fee.

As earlier mentioned, each state has its own eligibility requirements therefore you must be a resident of the state in which you apply for WIC benefits. However, there is no specified period within which you should have lived in the area to qualify for the WIC residency requirements.

The WIC program is especially for those who need it direly. So to be eligible for WIC you must be living under the set state standard or below the poverty line. Other times certain applicants can be determined to be eligible for WIC based on their participation in certain programs like Medicaid and AFDC.

Note: Only in-dated WIC checks are used.

Common WIC locations

HospitalsSchoolsCommunity centersMigrant campsPublic housing sitesCounty health departmentsMobile clinicsIndian health service facilities

CVS helps people navigate the health system by improving accessibility and lowering the cost of medication. They have various services intended to achieve their mission like;

pharmacy services – which are easy to access and specialize in chronic care health and wellness services – which are affordable and give preventive care serviceshealth plans- that offer commercial and specialty insurancevirtual care services – that make healthcare easy and accessible 

What can you buy at CVS using WIC?

Every state has a list of items that you can buy at CVS using WIC. It is important to check with your local agency to find out the exact items you can buy.

Am I eligible for WIC?

The eligibility criterion is simple. Are you a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman? Do you have a child or children below 5? Do you have an infant? Do you have a low income? Are you at nutritional risk?

Which states accept WIC?

New York, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire accept.