IMPORTANT

*** WIC is NOT part of Public Charge. *** ("Public Charge" means any immigrant who receives one or more public benefits for more than 12 months total within a 36 month period.)  The final Public Charge rule says that WIC participation will NOT be considered in any "public charge" determination conducted in the United States.  WIC clinics do NOT collect information about immigration status.  They do NOT share personal participant information with immigration authorities.
 

IMPORTANTE

***WIC NO es parte de la Carga Pública*** Las clínicas del WIC no preguntan ni recopilan información sobre el estado de inmigración o ciudadnía de un participante.  La norma final de carga pública aclara que la participación en el WIC NO SERA considerada en una determinación de carga pública realizada en los Estado Unidos. Las clínicas y agencias del WIC no comparten información personal de los participantes con las autoridades de inmigración.

Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) is a federally funded nutrition education program with healthy supplemental foods. The supplemental foods are purchased with eWIC cards at local grocery stores. It is also a referral program for other health agencies. It provides services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under the age of five.

WIC Benefits Include:

* Better nutrition through healthier foods and access to a staff nutritionist
* Healthier pregnancies
* A large variety of FREE recommended foods
* Breastfeeding counseling and support
* Tips about decreasing obesity among mothers and children
* Referrals to other services including on-site dental exams for babies and children under five
* Give-aways, recipes and promotional items to encourage healthy eating
* Smart shopping advice

WIC supplemental foods are purchased at area grocery stores using an eWIC card.

Eligibility

• Be pregnant, be a new mother, or have a child under five years of age.
• Must meet WIC income guidelines. You are already financially eligible to participate in the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) if you receive food stamps, medical assistance, temporary cash assitance.
• WIC may be transferred to or from any U.S. state or territory.

Enrollment

• Proof of Identity for the Person/Child Being Enrolled (Bring ONE) 
  Birth Certificate 
  Drivers License or MVA Identification Card 
  Social Security Card 
  Picture Identification (Government, School, Employment)
• Proof of Address (Bring ONE) 
  Drivers License 
  Official Bill or Statement 
  Copy of Lease
• Proof of Household Income 
  Recent Pay Stubs or Benefits Letter: SSI, Social Security, Unemployment
  Medical Assistance Card 
  Independence Card with Recent Receipt (30 days) 
  Tax Return
• Proof of Pregnancy (If Pregnant)
• Immunization Record (Infant or Child)
• WIC Referral Form (If Available)

If you are already enrolled in WIC, bring your WIC ID Folder to all appointments, including check pick-up.  The person to be enrolled must come to the appointment. 

Maryland WIC Hotline: 1-800-242-4WIC (4942)  
Maryland WIC 
Eatright.org - Academy of Nutrition and Dietitics
Food & Nutrition Information Center - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Supplemental foods now available through WIC:

• Infant formula & Infant cereal 
• Milk 
• Eggs 
• Cheese 
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice 
• Cereal 
• Beans, Peas & Lentils 
• Canned Fish (tuna, salmon or sardines) 
• Fruits and Vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned) 
• Soy Beverages 
• Tofu
• Yogurt
• Whole grain bread, tortllas and pastas
   
• The WIC Authorized Foods List brochure lists the items that will help your baby grow and your child grow stong and be ready to learn. Take the list when shopping.

WIC Services Available at the Following Locations:

Columbia Health Center
8930 Stanford Blvd 
Columbia, Md. 21045 
Telephone Number: 410-313-7510 (voice/relay) 
Email: HowardWIC@howardcountymd.gov
Fax Number: 410-313-5719 
Hours: 8:00am - 5:00 pm - Monday through Friday

North Laurel Health Center 

9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd
Laurel, MD 20723 
Telephone Number: 410-313-0630 (voice/relay) 
Fax Number: 410-313-5719 
Hours: 8:00am - 4:30 pm - Monday through Friday

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.