How do I apply for WIC?
Getting WIC benefits is simple. Call your nearest WIC office to make an appointment or contact us and a WIC staff member will call you to set up an appointment. Your first appointment will take about an hour and can benefit you and your children for the rest of your lives.
What do I bring to my first WIC appointment?
This handy checklist (PDF) will help you collect the information WIC staff will need to process your application.
What to expect at your first WIC appointment?
It will take about an hour to determine your eligibility. We will:
- Check your income, residency, and identification
- Complete a health assessment to determine any nutrition risk, including:
- Height and weight for all applicants
- Iron level screening
- Review of nutrition and health history
- Review your rights and responsibilities as a WIC participant
- Answer your health and nutrition questions
- Discuss other services you may be eligible for in your community
- Review the WIC food list and how to use WIC at the store
- Schedule follow-up appointments
WIC staff pride themselves in providing timely support in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Expect to learn about health and nutrition topics that are important to your family, get breastfeeding and chestfeeding support and supplies, and food benefits via an eWIC card to purchase healthy foods at participating stores. Fruits and vegetables benefits can also be used at local farms and Farmers Markets using the Bnft app. Each summer, participants receive additional funds to purchase locally grown produce from farmers.
What is "nutrition risk?"
Two major types of nutrition risk are recognized for WIC eligibility:
- Medically-based risks such as anemia, underweight, overweight, history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes
- Dietary risks, such as failure to meet the dietary guidelines or inappropriate nutrition practices
Nutrition risk is determined by a health professional such as a physician, nutritionist, or nurse, and is based on federal regulations. This nutrition assessment is free to program applicants.
Nutrition Education
Nutrition Education is an important part of every WIC appointment. WIC staff help you learn about healthy eating habits, make long- and short-term goals for your family's health, and answer your nutrition questions! Nutrition educators also work to create a personalized food prescription to fit each person's needs.
Food Benefits
WIC foods help meet the nutrition needs of participants. Foods include iron-fortified breakfast cereal, 100% juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried and canned beans/peas, canned fish, soy-based beverage, tofu, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, infant cereal, jarred infant fruits, vegetables and meats and infant formula as needed to meet the nutritional needs of WIC participants. In the summer, additional benefits are given for locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables from Maine farmers.
WIC participants receive food benefits via an eWIC card to purchase specific foods each month that are designed to supplement their diets with specific nutrients.
Breastfeeding & Chestfeeding Support
WIC encourages new parents to breast or chestfeed for at least the first six months of their child's life! Human milk is the best food for a baby and WIC is committed to helping parents be successful with their infant feeding journey. WIC can share the benefits of human milk by discussing:
- Questions and concerns you have
- How to get family and friends engaged in your decision to breastfeed or chestfeed
- Community support resources
- How to maintain your feeding goals when you return to work or school?
WIC also offers breastfeeding peer counselors, supplies including manual and electric breast pumps, and enhanced food benefits for nursing parents.
Referrals
WIC staff can connect you with helpful community resources to meet your family's needs. These include:
- Dental Services
- Health Care Providers
- Maine Families
- Head Start
- Heating Assistance
Contact the WIC Team:
- Online form
- Phone:
- (207) 287-3991
- 1-800-437-9300
- E-mail:
- State Agency: WIC.Maine@maine.gov