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Food & nutrition support for pregnancy and kids under 5

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) | NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)

How it works

WIC provides healthy food if you’re pregnant, postpartum, or have children from newborn up to age 5.

You’ll get an eWIC card that works like a debit card to buy WIC approved foods at grocery stores and pharmacies.

WIC also provides nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and help connecting to other services. Staff will do a quick health check and create a food package that fits your family’s needs.

Get started with a phone or in-person appointment.


Eligibility requirements

You may be eligible if you can answer yes to these questions:

1. Do you live in New York State?

2. Are you:

  • Pregnant or recently pregnant
  • A new parent (up to 6 months after birth)
  • Breastfeeding or nursing (up to 1 year after birth)
  • Caring for a child under 5 (including dads, grandparents, foster parents, and other primary caregivers)

3. Does someone in your household participate in one of these programs?

  • SNAP
  • TANF (cash assistance)
  • Medicaid
  • Head Start
  • Early Head Start
  • Essential Plan healthcare (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 200-250)
    • If you’re enrolled in Essential Plan Level 200-250, you qualify for WIC if you’re pregnant or are within 12 months postpartum and were on Essential Plan during your pregnancy.

OR

If no one is enrolled in one of those programs, is your income at or below what’s shown on this chart?

Household size Yearly income Monthly income Weekly income
1 $28,953 $2,413 $557
2 $39,128 $3,261 $753
3 $49,303 $4,109 $949
4 $59,478 $4,957 $1,144
5 $69,653 $5,805 $1,340
6 $79,828 $6,653 $1,536
7 $90,003 $7,501 $1,731
8 $100,178 $8,349 $1,927
For each additional member: +$10,175 +$848 +$196

 

Immigration status requirements

You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to get WIC, and no one will ask about your immigration status.


How to apply

Apply online

Start with Wanda, WIC’s online personal assistant. Wanda asks a few quick questions about your eligibility, then connects you and your information to your local WIC office – making your actual phone or in-person appointment faster. Visit the New York State WIC website and look for the chat icon in the bottom corner to get started.

Apply by phone

Contact your local WIC office or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline (800-522-5006) to schedule a phone or in-person appointment.

Get help

Visit the WIC website to learn more.


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Last Updated July 1, 2025

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