Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

What is this service?

*** COVID Update: All WIC services are available to families during the COVID-19 shelter at home orders.   To protect families and WIC staff all services are provided by telephone. Even new applications for WIC services can be processed by telephone.   Starting in February WIC transitioned to an electronic benefits card so there are no paper checks to use in the grocery stores. Enrolling in WIC and shopping at the grocery stores has never been easier.***

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a nutrition education program that helps families eat well and stay healthy. WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care and other helpful services.

Who can use this service?

  • Eligible women who are pregnant
  • Eligible breastfeeding women for up to 1 year after delivery
  • Eligible women who recently had a baby up to 6 months after delivery (including miscarriages)
  • Eligible infants
  • Eligible children under 5 years old

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

What is the process?

Step 1: Check Eligibility

To find out if you are eligible, view WIC’s qualifying incomes or visit the state's WIC website. 

Step 2: Make an Appointment

Please call (805) 781-5570 or text SLOWIC to 85511 to schedule an appointment at the WIC office nearest you.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents

  • Identification for the persons applying for WIC, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, crib card, military ID, photo ID, Social Security card, hospital record, or Medi-Cal card.
  • Proof of all family income (pay stubs or Medi-Cal card)
  • Proof of street address (mail, utility bill, rent/mortgage receipt)
  • All enrollment forms sent to you by WIC

Step 4: Arrive at your Appointment

All persons enrolling in WIC must be present at the enrollment appointment. Allow for approximately 1½ -2 hours for your first appointment.

When and where is this service offered?

Please call (805) 781-5570 or text SLOWIC to 85511 to schedule an appointment at the WIC office nearest you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Am I eligible?

To find out if you are eligible, view WIC’s qualifying incomes or visit the state's WIC website. 

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Are appointments required?

Yes.  In order to enroll in WIC, an appointment is required.  Please call (805) 781-5570 or text SLOWIC to 85511 to schedule an appointment at the WIC office nearest you.

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What food benefits do WIC participants receive?

WIC participants receive checks to purchase specific foods each month.  WIC foods include infant cereal, infant formula, iron-fortified adult cereal, vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried and canned beans/peas, canned fish, soy-based beverages, tofu, fruits and vegetables, baby foods, and whole-wheat bread.  Special infant formulas and medical foods may be provided when prescribed by a physician for a specified medical condition.  For a full list of eligible foods, click here.

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Will I receive the WIC coupons at my first appointment?

Yes!  WIC coupons will be provided at your first appointment if you qualify.

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Where can I find more information?

For more information on the program and its many benefits, visit the California WIC Program website.

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Where can I use my WIC vouchers?

Only a WIC authorized food store can accept WIC checks. Look for the WIC logo or WIC poster to identify stores that accept WIC checks. You can also consult with your WIC counselor to find a store near you.

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Can WIC be used at Farmers’ Markets?

Unfortunately WIC cannot be used at Farmers' Markets in San Luis Obispo County at this time.

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Can single fathers with custody of children under 5 years of age apply for WIC?

Yes!  Single fathers are welcome to apply for their children under 5 years of age.

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