WIC
Breastfeeding Peer Counseling/ Breast Pumps
Food Check Issuance
Nutritional Assessment
Arkansas WIC Program
The WIC program is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The Arkansas WIC Program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Health through a grant provided by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
WIC provides:
Supplemental foods high in nutrients during time of critical growth and development.
Nutrition education designed to improve dietary habits and health status and to emphasize the relationship between nutrition and health.
Information, support and encouragement for breastfeeding.
Referrals for other health services.
Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under age 5 may qualify if they live in Arkansas, have a nutritional need and have an income at or below WIC guidelines or receive Medicaid, ARKids, TEA or SNAP (Food Stamps).
WIC Eligibility Information
Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under age five are eligible for WIC if they:
Meet Income Guidelines - WIC income guidelines are set at 185% of poverty and are revised each year. Applicant must provide proof of income. Examples are: current check stubs, W-2 forms, most current income tax return, proof of eligibility for Medicaid (including ARKids), TEA, SNAP (food stamps).
Have a Nutritional Need - Conditions such as anemia, certain medical disorders, weight (over- or under- weight, weight in relation to height, etc.) number and /or frequency of pregnancies are examples of the factors that are considered in a nutritional assessment. A nurse or other professional performs this assessment in the local health unit.
Live in Arkansas - Applicants must provide proof of residency. Examples of proof of residency can be a current utility, cable or phone bill, a current mortgage or rent receipt, proof of Arkansas Medicaid, TEA or SNAP (food stamps).
How do I apply?
WIC is available at all Local Health Units in Arkansas, satellite clinics and three WIC-only Clinics. You can apply for and receive WIC in any county in Arkansas. You must call to make an appointment. At your appointment, WIC staff will check to see if you are eligible.
What do I bring to a WIC appointment?
ID for yourself and each child
Proof you are an Arkansas resident
Proof of income
Bring any children you are applying for
If you have questions, or need more information regarding eligibility, please contact your local county health unit or you can call the State WIC Office at 501-661-2473, fax at 501-661-2004 or by e-mail.
FAQ
Q: What is WIC?
Answer: WIC is the supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to other health services. WIC serves eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5.
Q: Who is eligible?
Answer: Pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 are eligible for WIC. They must meet income guidelines, live in Arkansas, and be individually determined to be at "nutritional risk" by a health professional. To be eligible on the basis of income, applicants family income must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. Applicants who receive Medicaid, ARKids, TEA or SNAP are automatically income eligible
Q: Where is WIC available?
Answer: The Arkansas WIC Program is available at every Local Health Unit in all 75 counties. In addition, there are satellite clinics and three WIC-only clinics that only offer WIC services. You may apply and receive WIC at any of the sites in Arkansas.
Q: What is nutritional risk?
Answer: Nutritional risk is determined by a health professional such as a physician, registered dietitian, or nurse and is based on federal guidelines. There are two major types of "nutritional risk" recognized for WIC eligibility:
Medically-based risk such as anemia, underweight, overweight, history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes.
Dietary risks such as failure to meet the dietary guidelines or inappropriate nutrition practices.
The Official WIC program is available to low to moderate income pregnant women, recently delivered women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk. Fathers can also bring their children to apply for WIC. You may apply for WIC if you are working or unemployed. Check the Income Guidelines Table to see if you are eligible for WIC. This website was created for women looking for WIC information and locations. We are also working towards adding other locations and services that may help out women.
