Frequently Asked Questions
WIC Families

What is WIC?
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. WIC helps to prevent health problems and improve the health status of participants through good nutrition. The WIC Program supplements the diets of qualified participants with nutritious food items by issuing a food “prescription.”

Who qualifies for WIC and how do you qualify for WIC?

• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding (nursing a baby up to one year old), and postpartum (up to 6 months after a pregnancy has ended)
• Infants (a child under one year old)
• Children (from 1 year old up to age 5)

All women, infants, and children must meet
income guidelines and medical criteria to qualify for WIC.

Where can I find WIC in Stone County?
Galena: 417-357-6134 Option 1
Location: Across from the Court House on the Square

Reeds Spring: 417-272-0050  Option 1
Location: At the corner of 13 and Old Wilderness Rd.

If I move from Stone County, how do I find the nearest WIC office in the state of Missouri?
Contact 1-800-TEL LINK to find the nearest WIC agency.

What food can I get from WIC?
WIC food prescriptions are based on the type of participant (woman, infant, or child). Nutritionists tailor the food prescription for each individual.

• Infants who are not breastfed receive infant formula. Infants also receive cereal and baby food fruits and vegetables at the appropriate age.
• Women and children receive milk, eggs, cereal, fruit juice, bread, tortillas, or brown rice, fruits/vegetables, and peanut butter, dried peas/beans, or canned beans.
• Women who are breastfeeding their babies and not receiving infant formula from the WIC program also get tuna, or sardines.

If I leave the state, how will I find a WIC clinic?
Check USDA’s WIC state agencies listing.

What is a WIC vendor?
A WIC vendor is a grocery store or pharmacy that has been approved by the WIC program to accept WIC e-cards for WIC-approved foods. Check our
Grocery Stores page for additional information.

Why are certain foods on WIC and other foods are not on WIC?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines the basic nutrient guidelines that the Missouri WIC program follows in food selection. All foods selected must meet those requirements. The Missouri WIC program also uses cost, availability, and other similar criteria to select foods. Foods selected are low in sugar and salt and are good sources of vitamins A, B6, C, and D, iron, protein, folate, zinc, fiber, and calcium. Visit the following link to find out more.

Missouri WIC Approved Food List

Will I have to pay to participate in WIC?
No, participants do not have to pay any money to participate in the WIC program.

Will WIC give me all of the food my baby and I need?
No, WIC will not provide all of the foods needed. WIC foods are intended to supplement the diet. The food packages approved for use in the Missouri WIC program are designed to help meet infants’ developmental needs and current pediatric feeding recommendations, and to complement the eating patterns of preschool children. WIC foods also supplement the special requirements of pregnant and breastfeeding women and help to re-supply the nutrient stores women use during pregnancy.

How can I report a problem with WIC?
If a vendor does not allow a WIC participant to purchase a WIC-approved food that is stocked in the store, contact us at Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, WIC and Nutrition Services. Telephone: 573-751-6204 or
800-392-8209.

 

 

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