WIC Frequently Asked Questions
- What is WIC?
- Who can apply for WIC and an I eligible?
- How does the eWIC card work?
- How can appointments be completed?
- How does WIC support breastfeeding?
- How long will my appointment take?
- What does WIC provide?
- How do I get help with the WIC2Go app?
- How do I check my WIC benefits balance?
- How do I replace a lost, stolen, or damaged WIC card
- What are Farmers Market Checks and when can I get them?
What is WIC?
WIC supports moms, moms-to-be, and their families with:
- healthy food
- nutrition education
- breastfeeding support
- referrals to other services
Who can apply for WIC and an I eligible?
You may be eligible if you:
- live in New York
- are pregnant, were recently pregnant, or have a child(ren) under age 5
- meet income guidelines
Dads, grandparents, and primary caregivers can apply for children under 5 in their care. Working families and non-U.S. citizens can qualify, too.
How does the eWIC card work?
WIC benefits are now given on an eWIC card. No more paper checks! The card is used just like a debit card at WIC-approved stores. Buy food when it works best for you and your family. Unused benefits can be used at a later shopping trip within the same month. At the end of the month, any unused benefits are lost. Check your benefit balance from your phone on the WIC2Go app, on your receipt, or by calling the number on the back of your eWIC card. Save your card – you will reuse it every month. Keep your WIC office appointments so you can continue to receive your benefits on time.
How can appointments be completed?
Most appointments can be completed either in-person or virtually over the phone; the Nutrition Education appointments can also have an online option.
How does WIC support breastfeeding?
WIC supports each of you in your individual breastfeeding goal, whether it’s for 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years! We have Certified Lactation Counselor/Nutritionists, a designated breastfeeding expert and breastfeeding peer counselors to help you through the challenges with breastfeeding throughout pregnancy, the first two weeks, your return to work, and weaning. We also provide breast pumps to eligible participants to allow you to provide breast milk while you’re away from the baby.
How long will my appointment take?
Your appointment may take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of appointment.
What does WIC provide?
- Nutrition information
- Healthy foods at no cost to you such as milk, cheese, juice, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, corn tortillas, yogurt, baby food, and infant formula.
- Breastfeeding information and support including breast pump loans
- Referrals for health care and other services
How do I get help with the WIC2Go app?
The WIC2Go app helps you check your benefits, find stores, and keep track of appointments. If you’re having trouble:
- Check the WIC2Go App Page
- Contact our office for help
Need the app? Download the app on either Apple or Android devices
How do I check my WIC benefits balance?
- You can check your WIC benefits:
- On the WIC2Go app
- On your last store receipt
- By calling the number on the back of your WIC card
- By calling (585) 394-9240 or texting (585) 481-8488 our office
How do I replace a lost, stolen, or damaged WIC card?
If your WIC card is lost, stolen, or not working, contact our WIC office right away by phone (585) 394-9240 or by text (585) 481-8488. We can freeze your old card and issue you a new one to keep your benefits safe.
What are Farmers Market Checks and when can I get them?
Farmers Market Checks are checks that can be used like cash without getting change back, to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Starting in June, WIC will be offering Farmer’s Market checks to eligible participants. Eligible participants can receive these once a year from June until the end of September. Farmer’s Market season goes from June until the end of November, and the checks can be used at any point during this time. Ask your local agency if you are eligible and how you can receive these checks?