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WIC and Retail Grocery Stores
What is WIC?
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutritious foods (primarily through retail grocery stores), nutrition counseling, and referrals to health care and social services. WIC serves low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. Nearly 8.1 million people – including more than 25,000 in Maine – get WIC benefits each month.
What foods does WIC provide?
WIC provides infant formula, infant and adult cereal and juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, and dried beans or peas. Some WIC participants also receive canned tuna and fresh fruits and vegetables.
How are stores authorized to accept WIC checks?
Each State agency is responsible for authorizing stores to accept WIC checks. At a minimum, the state agency will consider the prices of foods, the business integrity of the store's owner, and the variety and quantity of foods available in the store. Nearly 49,000 stores are currently authorized to accept WIC checks.
Is there a cost for WIC authorization?
No. There are no fees for the WIC authorization process.
Must State agencies authorize all qualified stores that apply?
No. State agencies must authorize enough stores to ensure that WIC participants have access to WIC foods.
Questions? Want to sign up? Contact your local WIC clinic.
York County Community Action Corp – York County
- Sanford: 207-459-2942
- Biddeford: 207-283-2402
The Opportunity Alliance – Cumberland County
- Portland: 207-553-5800
Western Maine Community Action – Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties
- Auburn: 207-795-4016
- Wilton: 207-645-3764
Midcoast Maine Community Action – Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, and Sagadahoc Counties
- Bath: 207-442-7963
- Rockland: 207-594-4329
Maine General – Kennebec and Somerset Counties
- Augusta: 207-626-6350
- Waterville: 207-861-3580
- Skowhegan: 207-861-3593
Bangor Public Health & Community Services – Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties
- Bangor: 207-992-4570
Maine Family Planning – Washington and Hancock Counties
- Ellsworth: 207-667-5304
- Machias: 207-255-8280
- Calais: 207-454-3634
Aroostook County Action Program – Aroostook County
- Presque Isle: 207-768-3026
State Contacts for VOC Requests
State Agency Contact Information
- Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
- Phone: (207) 287-3991
In-state Toll Free:
1-800-437-9300
TTY: Maine relay 711
- Email:
Main: WIC.Maine@maine.gov
Vendor: WICVendor@maine.gov - Mailing address:
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333