What is WIC in California?

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a federal-state nutrition program run in California by California WIC Program. It provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals at no cost to eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5.

Who is eligible for California WIC?

Pregnant women, postpartum women (up to 6 months after pregnancy ends), breastfeeding women (up to the infant first birthday), infants up to 1 year, and children up to age 5. You must live in California, meet income limits (185% of federal poverty guidelines), and be at nutritional risk as assessed by WIC staff. Receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF generally makes you automatically income-eligible.

What are the California WIC income limits for 2026-2027?

Effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, the gross household income limit is 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Contact California WIC Program at 1-800-852-5770 for the current chart, or use the eligibility tool at fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-tool.

How do I apply for WIC in California?

You can apply online at https://www.missionwic.org/, by calling 1-800-852-5770, or by scheduling an appointment at a local WIC clinic. You will need proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residence, and the woman, infant, or child applying may need to be present.

Can immigrants get WIC in California?

Yes. WIC is available regardless of immigration status. Receiving WIC does not make you a public charge and does not affect immigration status or applications. WIC does not collect or report immigration status information to immigration authorities.

Does a criminal record affect WIC eligibility in California?

No. WIC eligibility is based on categorical status (pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, infant, or child under 5), income, nutritional risk, and residence. A criminal record, felony conviction, or probation status does not disqualify you or your children from WIC. WIC does not run background checks.

How is WIC different from SNAP (food stamps) in California?

WIC is a targeted nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5, providing specific healthy foods and nutrition education. SNAP provides monthly food assistance to a broader low-income population and can be used on most grocery items. You can receive both WIC and SNAP if you qualify for each.

WIC in California (2026)

California WIC, run by the CDPH WIC Division, is the largest state WIC program, serving about 700,000 to 1 million participants monthly through a network of local WIC agencies. California offers the WIC Card (eWIC), a mobile app, and robust breastfeeding peer support.

Last updated: 2026-08-03

Quick Answer

WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides free healthy food, infant formula, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education to eligible California residents. You may qualify if you are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, or have an infant or child under 5, and your income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Apply through the California WIC Program (California Department of Public Health, WIC Division)below.

California WIC Agency

California WIC Program (California Department of Public Health, WIC Division)

Website: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWDPN/Pages/WIC-Program.aspx

Phone: 1-800-852-5770

Apply online: missionwic.org

Eligibility & Income Limits

Income limit (1 person): $2,461/month

Income limit (4 person): $5,088/month

185% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines (effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027): $2,461/mo (1 person), $3,337/mo (2), $4,212/mo (3), $5,088/mo (4), $5,964/mo (5), $6,839/mo (6), $7,715/mo (7), $8,591/mo (8); add $876/mo per additional person. Adjunctive income eligibility if applicant receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.

Who qualifies: Pregnant women, postpartum women (up to 6 months after pregnancy end), breastfeeding women (up to infant first birthday), infants up to age 1, and children up to age 5. Applicants must be at nutritional risk, assessed at no cost by WIC staff. Fathers, foster parents, and other caregivers may apply on behalf of an eligible child.

Benefits & Food Package

Average monthly value: Average about $45-60 per participant per month; California operates the largest WIC program in the nation.

Food package: WIC provides an eWIC card (like a debit card) for specific healthy foods: infant formula and infant baby food, milk, cheese, eggs, breakfast cereal, 100% juice, peanut butter, legumes/beans, whole grains, canned fish for breastfeeding women, and fresh fruits and vegetables via the fruit and vegetable Cash Value Benefit (CVB). Federal CVB baseline is about $26/month per child and about $47/month per pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman (breastfeeding women may receive more); states may authorize additional state foods and may set higher CVB amounts.

Farmers Market (FMNP): Yes -- the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides coupons (typically about $20-30 per year per participant) redeemable for fresh, locally grown produce at authorized farmers markets and roadside stands.

How to Apply in California

Apply online at myfamily.wic.ca.gov (Mission WIC) or call 1-800-852-5770 to be connected to a local WIC agency. WIC is not an entitlement program, so underfunded areas may establish waiting lists or priority systems; most states serve all eligible applicants.

More Food & Benefits Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WIC in California?: WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a federal-state nutrition program run in California by California WIC Program. It provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals at no cost to eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5.
Who is eligible for California WIC?: Pregnant women, postpartum women (up to 6 months after pregnancy ends), breastfeeding women (up to the infant first birthday), infants up to 1 year, and children up to age 5. You must live in California, meet income limits (185% of federal poverty guidelines), and be at nutritional risk as assessed by WIC staff. Receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF generally makes you automatically income-eligible.
What are the California WIC income limits for 2026-2027?: Effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, the gross household income limit is 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Contact California WIC Program at 1-800-852-5770 for the current chart, or use the eligibility tool at fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-tool.
How do I apply for WIC in California?: You can apply online at https://www.missionwic.org/, by calling 1-800-852-5770, or by scheduling an appointment at a local WIC clinic. You will need proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residence, and the woman, infant, or child applying may need to be present.
Can immigrants get WIC in California?: Yes. WIC is available regardless of immigration status. Receiving WIC does not make you a public charge and does not affect immigration status or applications. WIC does not collect or report immigration status information to immigration authorities.
Does California WIC have a farmers market program?: Yes -- the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides coupons (typically about $20-30 per year per participant) redeemable for fresh, locally grown produce at authorized farmers markets and roadside stands.
Does a criminal record affect WIC eligibility in California?: No. WIC eligibility is based on categorical status (pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, infant, or child under 5), income, nutritional risk, and residence. A criminal record, felony conviction, or probation status does not disqualify you or your children from WIC. WIC does not run background checks.
How is WIC different from SNAP (food stamps) in California?: WIC is a targeted nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5, providing specific healthy foods and nutrition education. SNAP provides monthly food assistance to a broader low-income population and can be used on most grocery items. You can receive both WIC and SNAP if you qualify for each.

Take Action -- Direct Links

WIC Benefits -- General Guide
The national overview of the WIC program, eligibility, food package, and how to apply.
SNAP (Food Stamps) -- How to Apply
If your income is above WIC limits or you have older children, SNAP may cover your whole household.
EBT Card -- Check Balance & Where to Use
How to use your EBT card and where it is accepted, including online retailers.
Food Banks & Pantries Near Me
Free emergency food from local food banks and pantries if WIC does not cover everything.
Free Meals & Summer Food
Free meals for kids and adults through summer food service and community programs.
USDA WIC -- National Program Page
The official USDA Food and Nutrition Service WIC page with national eligibility and program details.
WIC Prescreening Tool
The official USDA prescreening tool to check if you may be eligible for WIC.
Call 211 for Local Help
Dial 211 or visit 211.org to find the nearest WIC clinic and other local assistance.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. WIC income limits, food packages, and benefit values change periodically. Contact the California WIC Program (California Department of Public Health, WIC Division) for exact current requirements. For other help, call 211 or visit 211.org.

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