Welcome to WIC!

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that helps each participant eat well and stay healthy by providing:

• Nutrition education.
• Each participant will receive a nutrition assessment, including a measurement of weight, height and hemoglobin, to identify nutritional needs and interests.
• During every visit, you will have the opportunity to receive education and counseling on nutrition, healthy eating, breastfeeding and any special health concerns your family might have.
• Health screening.
• Each participant will be screened for low iron.
• WIC provides referrals to health care and social services.
• WIC promotes a healthier outcome by encouraging early prenatal care and consistent health care.
• Healthy foods.
• WIC provides foods that promote healthy choices and good nutrition.
• Foods provided by WIC are meant to supplement each participant’s diet and will not meet all nutritional needs.
• Talk with your WIC nutritionist about ideas to keep your family healthy.
• The food benefits are provided on a monthly, bimonthly or trimonthly cycle.

If you choose to fully breastfeed:

• You will get more milk, cheese, eggs and the addition of canned fish.
• At 6 months, your baby will get more infant fruit and vegetables, plus meats.

Breastfeeding mothers also:

• Stay on the program longer–up to one year or until you stop breastfeeding.
• Have access to trained staff to provide breastfeeding assistance if needed.
• May be provided with an electric breast pump.

WIC supports breastfeeding because:

• Doctors recommend breastfeeding for at least a year or longer if you want.
• Breast milk is made just for your baby and changes to meet their needs as they grow.
• Breastfed babies are healthier. They have less risk of diarrhea, colds and sudden infant death syndrome.
• Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of cancer, diabetes and postpartum depression.
• It is easier for breastfeeding mothers to lose weight gained during pregnancy.

WIC foods provide essential vitamins and minerals and are high in fiber and low in fat.

• Whole grains
• Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins and minerals. You can choose whole wheat bread, whole grain tortillas, whole wheat pasta or brown rice.
• Cereals
• WIC cereals are a good source of iron, vitamins and minerals. Many WIC cereals are whole grain and high in fiber.
• Protein
• Eggs, dry or canned beans and peanut butter provide protein to build and repair body cells. Beans are also high in fiber and have some iron.
• Dairy
• Dairy provides protein, calcium and vitamin D, which are important for healthy bones. Milk and cheese are available.
• Soy
• WIC can substitute soy beverages or tofu for some of your milk, depending on your situation.
• Juice
• WIC provides vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice.
• Fruits and vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables have important vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and potassium. Plus, they are low in calories and high in fiber!
• Infant foods
• Baby food fruit, vegetables and meats (for fully breastfed infants) provide vitamins, minerals and new tastes and textures.

I understand I have the right to:

• Participate in nutrition education, health and breastfeeding services.
• Equal WIC program eligibility and participation standards, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, disability and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
• Appeal any decision made by the WIC agency regarding program eligibility or WIC benefits. I can request a fair hearing within 60 calendar days by contacting my WIC local agency or the Missouri WIC program at P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or calling 800-392-8209.

I understand it is my responsibility to:

• Ensure my alternative representatives, proxies and I correctly use my WIC benefits to buy WIC approved food at an authorized Missouri WIC retailer as explained to me during my certification.
• Receive WIC benefits from only one WIC agency at a time, as dual participation is illegal.
• Participate in nutrition education and attend appointments in order to receive my food benefits.
• Treat WIC and retailer staff with respect and courtesy.

By providing my signature, I confirm the following:

• I have been advised of my rights and obligations under the WIC program. I certify that the information and documentation I provided for my household is correct.
• I understand the WIC local agency may verify the information and documentation provided.
• I understand that intentionally making a false or misleading statement or intentionally misrepresenting, concealing or withholding facts may result in paying the state agency, in cash, the value of the food benefits improperly issued to me and may subject me to civil or criminal prosecution under state and federal law.
• If all documentation is not available at certification, I agree to furnish it within 30 days to remain enrolled and receive WIC benefits because this certification information is required to receive federal assistance. 246.7(i)(10).
• I understand that selling, trading, or giving away my WIC benefits, including the WIC card, food, breast pump or formula, is a participant violation and could result in collections and repayment of a claim or disqualification from the WIC program.
• I understand that exchanging my WIC food items for a non-WIC food item, cash or store credit is a participant violation and could result in collections and repayment of a claim or disqualification from the WIC program.
• I understand the Missouri chief state health officer may enter into a written agreement to authorize the sharing of my participation, including my date of birth, phone number and address, in the WIC program for non-WIC purposes. This will only be used by WIC and other organizations in the administration of those programs that serve persons eligible for WIC. This information can be used to:
• Determine my eligibility for programs that the organization administers.
• Conduct outreach.
• Provide me with information about other DHSS programs, making the application process easier.
• Improve my health, education or well-being if I am already enrolled in their programs.
• Measure responsiveness to health care needs and outcomes.

• Alternative Representative or proxy form to name your family or friend to help with WIC appointments and shopping.
• Zero income affidavit to certify your gross income is zero.
• Medical referral for your doctor to complete before your WIC appointment.
• Medical documentation for your doctor to complete to request formula and food exemptions.
• Signatures form to collect your signature when needed.
• Voter registration form to sign up to vote in your area.

Look for the red and green pins on the locations map, which includes phone numbers and addresses.

You can also find the WIC door sign at the store’s entrance.

WIC food items can be identified by looking for the WIC shelf tag.

The WICShopper app is a free, smartphone application available to download from Google Play and the App Store. Search for WICShopper and download the app by JPMA, Inc.
When opening the app for the first time, select the state of Missouri then enter your 16-digit WIC card number two times. Registering your card opens more features on the app.
Access the app’s menu by tapping on the three horizontal lines on the top left of the home screen.

• The menu allows you to change your state, manage your registered WIC card(s), view appointments and access the settings.
• Appointments are for select WIC local agencies.
• Under the settings you can change the app language and turn on or off benefit expiration notifications and appointments.

Features for registered WIC card(s).

• Purchase History tracks the purchases made by the registered WIC card(s) for a three-month period.
• My Benefits provides a breakdown of benefits issued to the registered WIC card(s), including a full list of WIC-approved items with UPC information and the allowable quantity of each item listed for the months with benefits issued.
• My Appointments provides detailed information about scheduled WIC appointments, including time, location and any documentation you need to bring to the appointment. For select WIC local agencies.

Additional features.

• WIC Approved Foods contains the Missouri WIC Approved Food List in an easy-to-read format, categorized by food type.
• Scan Barcode and Key Enter UPC are tools to check if any item in the store, except fresh produce, is WIC-approved.
• Note: All items scanned as WIC-approved may not be eligible for purchase. You must check your benefits to view the items you were issued.
• WIC Stores and Markets and Find a WIC Office provides a map and directions to authorized Missouri WIC retailers and WIC local agencies.
• Cereal, Produce and Whole Grains Calculators make it easier to fully redeem the amounts of these items issued each month.

• WIC Approved Food List.
• Authorized WIC Retailers, red and green pins.
• Reading your WIC receipt.
• How retailers map fresh fruits and vegetables.
• View a series of English videos that provide guidance on how to shop for WIC-approved foods, identify authorized WIC retailers and checking out with your WIC card.
• View a series of Spanish videos that provide guidance on how to shop for WIC-approved foods, identify authorized WIC retailers and checking out with your WIC card.

• Wichealth.org offers online nutrition education and healthy recipes. Nutrition education lessons are available in English and Spanish.
• Frequently asked questions.
• Breastfeeding support.
• MyPlate.gov.

Complete the Retailer and WIC card redemption complaints form to file a complaint about a retailer or issues using your WIC card.

To report suspected fraud and abuse of the Missouri WIC program:

• Call 800-424-9121 or visit the USDA fraud webpage.
• Complete an online fraud report.

Missouri WIC benefits are for the WIC participant only. It is illegal to sell, trade, donate or give away WIC foods, formula, breast pumps or the WIC card.

Learn more about nondiscrimination and how to complete a civil rights complaint.

General

• Veterans resources.
• Non-emergency medical transportation.
• Substance use awareness.
• Missouri Tobacco Quit Services offers free and confidential tools to help individuals quit.
• Oral health.
• Mo HealthNet.
• SNAP.
• Food banks.
• Safe, free cribs.
• Imagination Library.

Pregnancy

• Marijuana use.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Eating healthy.
• Relief from common problems.
• Exercise.
• Choose MyPlate.
• Tips for Pregnant Moms.
• Protect your pregnancy from Listeria.

Infants and children

• Choking and young children.
• Food To Grow On: Birth - 12 months.
• Food To Grow On: 12 - 18 months.
• Food To Grow On: 19 - 24 months.
• Healthy tips for active play.

What is a WIC retailer?

An authorized WIC retailer is a grocery store or pharmacy that has been approved by the WIC program to allow the purchases of WIC-approved food items. The red and green pins on our locations map show all authorized Missouri WIC retailers and pharmacies.

Why will some authorized WIC retailers accept WIC cards for approved food items that other authorized WIC retailers will not?

All authorized WIC retailers must allow participants to purchase all WIC-approved food items listed in their benefits. Available food items may vary by retailer. If a retailer does not allow a WIC participant to purchase a WIC-approved food item that is stocked in the store and listed on in their benefits, please contact your WIC local agency or the WIC state agency.

If I leave the state, how will I find a WIC local agency?

Check USDA’s website for WIC state agencies or contact the Missouri WIC state agency at 800-392-8209 to obtain the telephone number of WIC programs in other states.

How do I file a complaint about a WIC local agency?

Contact the Missouri WIC state agency at 800-392-8209 or email WICinfo@health.mo.gov.

How can I pay a fine to the WIC program?

Payments may be made online or through the mail.

If mailing a payment, please make your check or money order payable to DHSS Fee Receipts. Include a copy of the letter you received and indicate in the memo section of your check or money order that the payment is for the WIC program. Send your payment to:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
ATTN: Fee Receipts
P.O. Box 570
920 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65102
For online payments, please follow the instructions below.

1. Go to the DHSS Paying Online page.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Pay Online.
3. Select Make a one-time payment.
4. Payment Category = WIC and Nutrition Services.
5. Payment Type = Participant.
6. Complete the following fields:
1. Name. First and last.
2. Telephone Number.
3. Payment Amount.
7. Select Add Item and Checkout to make your payment and move to step 10 in these instructions.
8. Select Add Item to see the shopping cart on the right-hand side of the screen display the type of payment and the dollar amount. A projected fee will also display for making an online payment. The fee varies due to the amount of the payment and whether the payment is being made with a credit/debit card or eCheck.
1. To delete a payment, select the trashcan icon next to Participant.
2. To cancel the entire transaction, select Cancel Transaction.
9. Select Next Step: Payment Information.
10. Complete the following fields:
1. Name.
2. Address.
3. City.
4. Country.
5. State.
6. Zip Code.
7. Email.
8. Home Phone Number.
11. Select Next Step: Add Payment Method.
12. Choose the Credit Card or eCheck payment option and enter the needed information.
13. Select Next Step: Review Payment.
14. Ensure all the information is correct and check the box to agree to the Payment Terms of Service.
15. Select Make Payment if you are ready to make the payment. If needed, you can cancel the transaction by selecting Cancel Transaction.
16. After making the payment, a Thank You for Your Payment page comes up. Please print this page for your records. If you entered an email address, a receipt with the transaction information will be sent to that email address.

What is a WIC card?

A WIC card allows participants to purchase their food benefits at an authorized WIC retailer.

Will SNAP benefits and WIC benefits be on the same card?

No. The WIC card for the WIC program is separate from the EBT card for the SNAP program.

Will there be one card for all household members on WIC?

Yes. All family members on WIC in the same household will receive one card except foster children. Foster children receive their own cards.
The same card is used at every appointment, it is not supposed to be used and then thrown away.

Can WIC cards be used at self-checkout registers?

No. Technology is still under development by retailers.

Can I shop in other states with my Missouri WIC card?

No. Missouri WIC cards are ONLY accepted at authorized Missouri WIC retailers.

What happens to the WIC card of a foster child when they move to a different household?

The WIC card should follow the foster child. Each foster child is assigned a WIC card of their own. If multiple foster children reside in one household, the authorized representative may label each card with the child’s initials to keep them separated.

Can WIC cards be used at all stores?

No. Missouri WIC cards can only be used at stores displaying the Missouri WIC Authorized Retailer decal. The red and green pins on our locations map show all authorized Missouri WIC retailers and pharmacies.

My partner and I share the shopping in our household. May we each get a card for the same account?

No. Only one card is assigned per household.