How WIC Works

What can you expect from WIC? Explore some of the most frequently asked questions to learn more about how the program works.

Is WIC Food Stamps?

No, WIC is not food stamps. It’s a nutrition program focused on health, not need. WIC is about making healthy easy—for working families and for their kids.

Who Qualifies for WIC?

To qualify for WIC, you must:

Live in California
Be pregnant, breastfeeding, have recently had a baby, or be caring for a child under 5
Meet income guidelines or be receiving Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs

WIC is not only for the unemployed. WIC welcomes working families, single parents, grandparents, and foster families

Don’t be confused by the name of the program—single dads, grandparents, and foster parents can all be eligible for WIC.

What Do You Get With WIC?

When you join WIC, you get more than just healthy food—you get a whole support system for your family. With WIC, you can:

Use a WIC card to buy healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, bread, cereal, and more
Get breastfeeding help, including supplies and support from trained staff
Learn simple nutrition tips and advice made for your family’s needs
Find other helpful services in your community if you need them

How Do You Apply?

Applying for WIC is easy! You can get started by:

Filling out the short request form online—someone will reach out to you to help.

Apply

Calling WIC directly.

(661) 862-5422

Walking into any of our offices.

Find a WIC location near you

What Can You Expect From Your Appointment?

Your first WIC appointment is simple, welcoming, and focused on you. Here’s what you can expect:

A friendly team that takes time to listen to your questions and goals
A quick check-in and nutrition assessment for you and your child
Personalized advice to help make feeding your family easier
Your WIC card will be loaded with benefits before you leave

Support is always available in English and Spanish.

How Often Do I Need To Renew?

To stay enrolled in WIC, you’ll renew your eligibility once a year. We’ll be here to support you through every stage of your journey and answer any of your questions.

When it’s time to renew again, we’ll help make it simple to keep your benefits.

Program Objectives

At least 80% of interns complete program/degree requirements within 13.5 months (150% of planned program length).
Of graduates who seek employment, at least 100% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
80% of employers, who return surveys, rate graduates as “satisfactory” or “excellent” for ability to work effectively with multicultural populations from diverse backgrounds.
90% of program graduates work as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in community nutrition.
90% of graduates work in Central Valley community programs for at least two years after graduation.

Do I Qualify for WIC?

WIC is a program that helps families with food and nutrition. Call us at (661) 862-5422 or send a message, and we’ll help you see if you qualify.

Here are some ways you might qualify:

You are pregnant
You are breastfeeding a baby who is less than one year old
You had a baby in the last six months
You have a child who is under the age of five
You experienced a loss of pregnancy or had a termination

You also need to think about your family’s income. Here are the monthly income limits for family sizes:

1 Person: $2,413
2 Persons: $3,261
3 Persons: $4,109
4 Persons: $4,957
5 Persons: $5,805
More than 5 Persons: Add $848 for each additional member

This income limit is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, and these amounts will be effective from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Also, if you’re pregnant, the baby counts as part of your family size when figuring out if you qualify.

Get Care Right Away

Need care right away? Our health centers offer same-day appointments, and our walk-in clinics also offer extended hours. Whether you schedule ahead or stop by, we’re here to deliver fast, high-quality care when and where you need it.

Visit Your Preferred Location

We make it easy to choose the clinic that works best for you. Keep in mind that your preferred location may mean seeing a different provider. Either way, you’ll receive compassionate, expert care from our trusted team, no matter which clinic you visit.

Schedule Your Appointment on MyChart:

See Your Preferred Provider

Our providers work across multiple clinics to make care accessible, so their location may vary based on availability. No matter where you’re seen, you can trust our dedicated team to deliver the high-quality care you deserve.