More than 260,000 people in North Carolina They receive benefits from the WIC program., a federal initiative that helps low-income families with nutritious food, nutritional guidance, and breastfeeding support during pregnancy and the first years of a child's life.
In the state, the program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and is offered through county health departments, community health centers, and other agencies that provide services to the community.
Data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates that in 2022 around 72,000 people Hispanic or Latina They participated in the program in North Carolina, although more recent figures by ethnicity have not been published.
What is WIC?
WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. The full name of the program is Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
The program seeks to protect the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five who may be at nutritional risk.
Among the services it offers are healthy foods, breastfeeding supportNutritional education and referrals to community resources.
📌 WIC program will offer “telehealth” to facilitate services to families, especially in rural areas
Who can apply for WIC?
To participate in the WIC Program in North Carolina, applicants must meet these main requirements:
- Being pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months after delivery), breastfeeding (up to one year after delivery), having a baby or a child up to five years old.
- Living in North Carolina
- Having a household income below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines.
- Being at nutritional risk. A nutritionist or other health professional at your local WIC clinic will talk to you about your nutrition and health.
People who receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), or TANF automatically meet the income requirement.
Income chart to qualify for WIC in North Carolina
| Home size | Maximum monthly income | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,413.00 | $27,861.00 |
| 2 | $3,152.00 | $37,814.00 |
| 3 | $3,981.00 | $47,767.00 |
| 4 | $4,810.00 | $57,720.00 |
| 5 | $5,640.00 | $67,673.00 |
| 6 | $6,469.00 | $77,626.00 |
| 7 | $7,299.00 | $87,579.00 |
| 8 | $8,128.00 | $97,532.00 |
Table effective from June 2, 2025, adapted from the source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
>> For example, a family of 4 may qualify if their monthly income is up to $4,810 per month.
Note: For each additional person living in the home, approximately $830 per month or $9,953 per year must be added.
Documents required to apply for the program
The Families wishing to apply for WIC They must present some basic documents during the initial appointment. Accepted documents include:
- Identification for each person requesting the benefit
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs or letters from the employer
In the case of babies, documents such as the hospital card or vaccination records can also be accepted.
How to start the application process
Interested individuals can begin the process in two ways:
- Call your local WIC office to schedule an appointment
- complete a online referral form
You can also find the nearest clinic using the Interactive map from the North Carolina Department of Health, where it is possible to search by county.
According to the NCDHHS, the first appointment is usually done in person, although some clinics also offer remote options.
Related: Food Banks in North Carolina: Where to Find Free Food?
What benefits does the program offer?
The WIC program seeks to improve the health and nutrition of mothers and children through various types of support, including:
- Healthy foods such as milk, eggs, cereals, fruits and vegetables
- Support and guidance for breastfeeding
- Nutrition education
- References to health services and community resources
What happens during the date
During the first appointment, WIC staff will review the applicant's documents and conduct some basic health assessments.
The process may include:
- verification of identity, address and income
- weight and height measurement
- a blood test to check iron levels
Questions are also asked about eating habits and general health to assess nutritional risk.
If the person meets the requirements, they will receive an eWIC card, which works similarly to a debit card and allows them to purchase approved food items at authorized stores.
You may be interested: Wake Tech offers low-cost dental cleanings to the community in Raleigh
Questions about immigration and eligibility to apply for WIC
Can immigrants apply for WIC?
Yes. The WIC program focuses on the nutrition of pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five. Public health agencies note that WIC is not considered a benefit under the federal "public charge" rule, so participating in the program does not affect the immigration processes for most people.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or have a defined legal status to apply?
Not necessarily. The program is available to families living in North Carolina who meet the income and nutrition requirements. Eligibility is based primarily on income, residency in the state, and nutritional status, not immigration status.
What if I have Medicaid or SNAP?
People who receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps) or TANF generally automatically meet the income requirement to participate in WIC.
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