WIC is a special supplemental food program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women, infants, and children under five years of age. WIC helps you and your baby get healthy foods and healthy advice in the first years of life.
Breastfeeding?
Get free help right on your phone
Eligible WIC clients can now get breastfeeding support 24 hours a day for FREE with the Pacify app.
Pacify connects you with live lactation consultants who are available 24/7 via video to offer breastfeeding support and answer other feeding related questions.
Simple and easy to use right from home, there are no appointments required and you can call as often as you need to.
Sign up today! Get your membership code, download the app, and sign up at pacify.com/ms-wic. Or talk to your local WIC staff about how to get started.
eWIC Cards
eWIC cards are coming to WIC clients. Find out when to expect yours, and how it will change food shopping.
Benefits
If you're eligible for WIC, you'll receive at no cost:
- A monthly package of delicious, nutritious foods
- Valuable tips on healthy eating
- Health care referrals
- Breastfeeding support
WIC Food Package
The WIC food package provides nutritious foods to supplement your regular meals. You can choose some or all of the following, free of charge:
- Eggs
- Beans
- Cheese
- Baby formula
- Peanut butter
- White and chocolate milks
- Hot and cold cereals
- A selection of 100% fruit juices
- Canned tuna for breastfeeding mothers
- Whole wheat bread and tortillas
- Fresh and canned fruits and vegetables
- Baby food fruits and vegetables
- Baby food meats for breastfed infants
Getting WIC
Who is Eligible
To be eligible for the program, a woman, infant, or child must meet the income guidelines and be at medical or nutritional risk. Low iron levels in the blood (anemia), underweight, overweight, or poor diet are typical examples. A nurse or nutritionist will determine if an applicant is eligible for the WIC program.
You can check your income against the current guidelines to see if you may qualify.
If you receive TANF, Food Stamps or Medicaid, you automatically meet WIC income guidelines.
Apply in Person
USDA policy requires that applicants must apply in person for WIC benefits at their local county health department or WIC clinic. Parents not wanting to bring their newborns in to the WIC clinic have a 60-day period during which the newborn must be seen at the WIC clinic.
Find a county health department
What to bring to your WIC appointment
Applicants must bring proof of income, residence, and identification to their WIC appointment.
Examples of proof of income:
- A current pay stub less than 60 days old
- A signed statement from an employer indicating gross income earnings for a specified pay period
- Current W-2 forms
- An income tax return for the most current year
- Proof of Medicaid, TANF, or Food Stamps
Examples of proof of residence:
- Pieces of mail that include the client's current address (e.g. current utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
- A valid driver's license with the current address
- A mortgage/rental agreement
Examples of proof of identification:
- A valid driver license
- A social security card
- A valid U.S. passport
- A current shot record
- A military ID
- A newborn crib card
Get the app! The WIC Mississippi app helps you learn more about WIC, find WIC locations, and take advantage of healthy food options available through the program.
Forms
For Medical Professionals
- Request for Medical Formula for Infants 972e
- Request for Medical Formula for Women and Children 263e
Immunizations
It is important for you and your children to be up to date on routine vaccinations, so you are protected from infectious diseases like measles, whooping cough, flu, COVID-19, and others. For more information, please see the links below. You may schedule an appointment at any county health department, with your medical provider, or at a pharmacy.
Staying Healthy
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead can be very dangerous for you and your children. Three key nutrients – vitamin C, iron, and calcium – may limit the body's absorption of lead. Foods rich in these nutrients can be found in your WIC food package.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs
During pregnancy, women should not use tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or prescription medications unless they are for medical reasons. Avoiding these substances and getting regular prenatal care are important to having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Avoiding these substances after you have a baby is important, too. Counseling and treatment are available if you have hard time quitting unhealthy substances on your own.
Find Out More
WIC can connect you with the resources you need. Here is some useful information on programs and topics that may help you and your children.
- About WIC
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- TANF
- Immunizations
- Dental and Oral Health
- Early Intervention
- Tobacco Quitline
- Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby Case Management Programs
- Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Safe Sleep Environments
- Car seat safety
- Family Planning Waivers
- Happy Healthy
Mississippi WIC Program
805 S. Wheatley St
Suite 400
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: (601) 991-6000 or call toll-free (800) 545-6747 outside of Jackson
For questions regarding Verification of Certification (VOC) please call either of the phone numbers listed above.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 - fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
