WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children — and it’s here to help pregnant women, mothers, infants and young children stay healthy and eat right during times of important growth.
WIC:
- Educates pregnant women and new moms about nutrition, with personalized assessments, counseling and support
- Provides pregnant women, new moms, infants and children (up to age 5) with nutritious supplemental foods
- Brings women the support they need to breastfeed their babies
- Offers referrals to additional social services and healthcare resources
You are eligible to apply to Virginia WIC if you…
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, just had a baby or you are a mother, father, grandparent, foster parent, or other legal guardian of a child under the age of 5.
- Are a resident of Virginia.
- Have a nutritional need (this is determined at your local WIC clinic).
- Your income is within the following guidelines: CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT WIC ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR WIC ONLINE
For Your Appointment…
| Certification Appointment | Nutrition Education Appointment | |
| What to bring | ∙ eWIC Card for returning clients ∙ Proof of Income ∙ Proof of where you live ∙ Person applying for WIC ∙ Child’s immunization record |
∙ eWIC Card
∙ Healthbites certificate if completed through online program Healthbites |
| Who can come | Parent, Guardian, Caretaker | Parent, Guardian, Caretaker, or Proxy |
| What to expect | ∙ 30 mins-1 hour in length ∙ If first appointment: will receive eWIC card, how to PIN and use your eWIC card ∙ Finger stick for bloodwork depending on age and WIC category ∙ Height and weight check ∙ Nutrition education ∙ A review of your Food Prescription |
∙ 30 minutes
∙ Discuss your nutritional needs through a one-on-one appointment or group nutrition class ∙ A review of your Food Prescription |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I have a formula issue or change?
- Contact your local WIC office, they will assist you with this issue.
- What if I move?
- Let your local WIC office know so a verification of certification can be issued if you are moving out of state. If you are moving in state, information will be provided for the nearest WIC office in your new location.
- What milk can I buy at the store?
- This information is in the approved food list you receive at your local WIC office. If the milk brand is not labeled in the store, ask customer service at the store which brand is WIC approved.
Words to Know…
| Benefit Balance: | the total balance of items available for purchase on your Virginia eWIC card |
| CVB (Cash Value Benefit): | used for the purchase of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables |
| eWIC Card: | a tool that works like a debit card to make eWIC benefits available for purchase |
| Food Prescription: | a specific package of supplemental foods issued by a nutritionist based on individual dietary needs |
| Legumes: | Any type of mature dry beans, peas, or lentils in dry-packaged or canned forms; refer to the WIC Approved Food List for eligible varieties. |
| PIN (Personal Identification Number): | a 4-digit secret code that allows only you to use your Virginia eWIC Card |
| UPC (Universal Product Code): | the 12-digit product number located below the barcode on product packaging |
| WIC Authorized Retailer: | a store that can accept a Virginia eWIC card; look for the “eWIC Cards Accepted Here” window decal when you enter stores |
| WIC Eligible Brand: | a brand that has been approved by the Virginia WIC Program; look for WIC shelf labels to identify WIC eligible brands |
| WIC Eligible Foods: | foods that are provided to supplement participants’ diets with specific nutrients |
Breast Feeding Peer Counselor Program
In 2004, Virginia WIC implemented the Loving Support Through Peer Counseling, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. Loving Support© is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services and was developed by Best Start, Inc. This program aims to enhance the continuity of WIC’s breastfeeding promotion efforts by offering mother-to-mother breastfeeding support. Breastfeeding moms are eligible to receive a larger food package for a longer duration from WIC—ask for details at your appointment.
Receive Breastfeeding Support:
• Enroll in the Virginia WIC Program
• Attend your scheduled WIC appointment
• Request to meet with a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
The LENOWISCO Health District also has 4 Certified Lactation Consultants available for consult along with the peer counselor.
Our district wants to hear from you! We have various WIC locations and hours to serve you better.
Sign up for WIC at your local health department:
| All LENOWISCO health department offices are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday. All offices are closed for state holidays. For specific health service times, see information below. | ||
| Lee County Health Department (Map) |
Wise County and City of Norton Health Department (Map) | Scott County
Health Department (Map) |
| 134 Hill ST P.O. Box 247 Jonesville, VA 24263 Phone: (276)-346-2011 Fax: (276)-346-0401 |
134 Roberts ST SW Wise, VA 24293 Phone: (276)-328-8000 Fax: (276)-376-1020 |
190 Beech ST Suite 102 Gate City, VA 24251 Phone: (276)-386-1312 Fax: (276)-386-2116 |
| Extended Evening Hour Clinics for WIC are available each month: 4:45—8:00 pm | ||
| First Monday Each Month | First & Third Thursday Each Month | Second Thursday Each Month |
| We also offer Satellite WIC clinics in the following locations: (call for specific dates/times) | ||
| Coeburn | Appalachia | Big Stone Gap |
| St. Paul | Duffield | Pennington Gap |
| Ewing | ||
**A Replacement eWIC card is not able to be reissued until 24 hours after it has been deactivated with XEROX. When eWIC card is replaced it is possible that food benefits may be prorated.***
Failure to attend Nutrition Education appointments may result in reduced WIC food benefits. Failure to receive food benefits within 90 days of last date to spend shall result in an automatic termination from the WIC program.
Please notify WIC personnel of any changes in contact information and/or if you plan on moving during certification period.
WIC recommends that parents have an emergency plan for their family.
Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov or Ready.gov to find out about an emergency preparedness home list for your family.
Please Check http://www.facebook.com/LENOWISCO for closings or delays.
For more information, use the following links:
Virginia Department of Health WIC Homepage
http://www.wicva.com/