County of Santa Barbara
Publich Health Department
WIC, Women Infants and Children, food and breastfeeding supplies and one
on one assistance (Spanish language speakers available).
How to apply:
Nutrition Services
FAQ's
What is WIC?
WIC
is the Women, Infants & Children Supplemental Nutrition Program for income
eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women and children under age
five who have a nutritional need. WIC is a federally funded program,
administered by the California Department of Health Services.
What Are The Goals of the
WIC Program?
- To decrease the
complications of pregnancy
- To prevent low birth
weight babies
- To decrease iron
deficiency anemia
- To promote and support
breastfeeding
- To promote optimum
growth and development of infants and young children
Who Is Eligible for WIC?
- Low to moderate income
families who have incomes at 185% or less of the Federal Poverty level
- Eligible family
members:
- Women who are
pregnant, post-partum, or breastfeeding
- Infants
- Children under age
five (including foster children)
- Working families may be
eligible
At
WIC, participants receive an initial nutrition assessment screening to
determine nutritional need.
How Can WIC Help?
- WIC participants get
personalized nutrition education.
- WIC families learn more
about having a healthy pregnancy and providing healthy meals and snacks
for their children.
- Participants learn
parenting and child safety skills.
- WIC families receive
education, help and support with breastfeeding.
- Families save money on
food.
- Families get help
finding health care and other community services they might need.
- WIC saves health care
dollars.
Where Can I Find WIC?
WIC
has local offices all over California. Call 1-877-275-8805 or
1-888-WIC-WORKS (1-888-942-9675) for a WIC office nearest your home.
Benefits of WIC
Families
- Special checks to buy specific, healthy foods,
such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, dry
beans and peas, peanut butter and iron-fortified infant formula.
- Quality nutrition education.
- Breastfeeding education and support.
- Referrals to healthcare and community services.
Women and Infants
- Earlier prenatal care.
- A healthier diet.
- An increase in full-term pregnancies.
- Fewer low birth weight babies.
- Fewer fetal and infant deaths.
Children
- Improved growth.
- Lower rates of anemia.
- Increased immunization rates.
- Better access to health care.
- Improved consumption of key nutrients.
- Enhanced cognitive abilities.
Nutrition Services
Who Qualifies
Eligibility Requirements for
the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department WIC program:
- Live in Santa Barbara County.
- Be in a category served by WIC (pregnant women,
new mothers, infants and children up to age five).
- Demonstrate a need for WIC foods by having a
nutritional need.
- Have an income below 185% federal poverty level
(see income guidelines below) and/or receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or
Cash Aid. Working families may qualify.
WIC Income Guidelines
185% Federal Poverty Level
Effective April 1,
2013 - June 30, 2014
Gross Income
|
Number of
Persons in Family Unit**
|
Annually
|
Monthly
|
Twice-Monthly
|
Bi-Weekly
|
Weekly
|
Hourly*
|
|
1
|
$21,257
|
$1,772
|
$886
|
$818
|
$409
|
$10.23
|
|
2
|
$28,694
|
$2,392
|
$1,196
|
$1,104
|
$552
|
$13.80
|
|
3
|
$36,131
|
$3,011
|
$1,506
|
$1,390
|
$695
|
$17.38
|
|
4
|
$43,568
|
$3,631
|
$1,816
|
$1,676
|
$838
|
$20.95
|
|
5
|
$51,005
|
$4,251
|
$2,126
|
$1,962
|
$981
|
$24.53
|
|
6
|
$58,442
|
$4,871
|
$2,436
|
$2,248
|
$1,124
|
$28.10
|
|
7
|
$65,879
|
$5,490
|
$2,745
|
$2,534
|
$1,267
|
$31.68
|
|
8
|
$73,316
|
$6,110
|
$3,055
|
$2,820
|
$1,410
|
$35.25
|
|
Each add'l family
member add
|
$7,437 per added
family member
|
$620 per added family
member
|
$310 per added family
member
|
$287 per added family
member
|
$144 per added family
member
|
$3.58 per added family
member
|
*Decimals are rounded up to the nearest dollar/cent.
**Unborn children should be
counted in family total. Example: pregnant woman with a single unborn
child should be counted as two (2) in family unit. Pregnant woman with two
unborn children (twins) should be counted as three (3).
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. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director
Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410
or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer."
Nutrition Services
(877) 275-8805
