Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, is a federal nutrition program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service and operated through state and local agencies. The program serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five, who meet income guidelines and are found to be at nutritional risk as identified by a health professional.
WIC provides participants with specific healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services. These benefits are not a loan and are never repaid, making WIC a straightforward benefit program for eligible individuals and families.
Applications are handled through state and local WIC agencies, often involving a clinic visit that includes a brief health screening. Applying is free, and no legitimate WIC office charges a fee to enroll. A request for payment during the enrollment process is a warning sign. Those seeking to apply or locate a nearby clinic can find information through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service at fns.usda.gov/wic.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service — WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (wic)?
Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who meet income guidelines and are found to be at nutritional risk..
Does special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (wic) have to be repaid?
This is benefit (not a loan, not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (wic)?
Apply through your state or local WIC agency; find a clinic via fns.usda.gov/wic.
More in Housing & basic needs
Not sure which funding fits?
Compare grants, scholarships, assistance, and loans side by side, or use the finder to narrow down by your situation.
Open the funding finder →