Ohio WIC Requirements

WIC -- Women, Infants and Children -- is a special nutritional program that provides certain foods to those who are financially eligible. The program helps ensure young children stay healthy. The program also fills nutritional gaps for children who would otherwise have a nutritionally inadequate diet.

WIC Program Foods

For infants, the WIC program provides formula, baby food, baby cereal and bananas. For children over a year old, WIC provides bread, peanut butter, milk, eggs, cheese, juice and fresh fruits and vegetables. The WIC program distributes vouchers to participants each month to purchase these food items. The vouchers can be redeemed at most grocery stores.

Income Requirement

To be eligible for WIC, participants must fall within certain income limits. The income limit varies depending on household size. As of 2010, the Ohio WIC program monthly income limit for a family of one is $1,670; a family of two is $2,247; and a family of three is $2,823. The maximum income allowed is $5,706 for a family of eight.

Age Requirement

Those who are eligible to receive WIC foods are infants and children under the age of 5 and pregnant mothers. Pregnant mothers get the same foods that non-infant children receive. If the mother chooses to breast feed after her baby is born, she will continue to receive the food.

Appointment Requirement

Regular in-person appointments are required to continue receiving WIC benefits. At the appointment, WIC staff will weigh the participants, chart growth progress and conduct basic health screenings such as iron tests. You will also receive your vouchers at the appointments.