WIC for students who are pregnant or parenting

WIC is a nutrition program for people who are pregnant, recently gave birth or are breastfeeding, and for children under 5. Here is what it offers and how to apply while you are in school, since being a student does not change how WIC looks at you.

Who the program serves

WIC serves pregnant people, people in the months after giving birth, people who are breastfeeding, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday. A parent, grandparent, foster parent or other guardian can apply for a child in their care. Fathers can apply on behalf of their children too.

The program looks at household income and a basic nutrition check done at the clinic. People already enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid or TANF often meet the income part automatically. Each state agency sets the details and makes the decision.

WIC has no separate rule for students the way SNAP does, so your course load plays no part in the decision. Ask the clinic about anything you are unsure of before you decide not to apply.

What WIC provides

WIC benefits are loaded onto a card for specific healthy foods, such as milk, eggs, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, infant formula and baby food. The food list is set by your state, and participating grocery stores mark the items that count.

Clinics also offer nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and help finding other services, including health care and immunizations. Many student parents find the breastfeeding support useful when returning to class, since staff can talk through pumping schedules and supplies.

Bring to the clinic

• Photo ID for you and each child
• Proof of address
• Proof of income or a SNAP or Medicaid notice
• Your child's immunization record

Fitting WIC around classes

Applications go through a local WIC clinic, which you can find through your state health department. Many clinics now offer phone or video appointments, which can be easier to fit between classes than an office visit.

Ask the clinic about appointment times that suit your schedule, and keep your recertification dates on your calendar. If your campus has a family resource center or a lactation room, the basic needs office can tell you where it is. Childcare support from the school is a separate program run through other offices.