What is WIC in Hawaii?

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a federal-state nutrition program run in Hawaii by Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii WIC Program at 1-888-820-6425 (808-586-8080) for the current chart, or use the eligibility tool at fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-tool.

How do I apply for WIC in Hawaii?

You can apply online at https://health.hawaii.gov/wic/apply/, by calling 1-888-820-6425 (808-586-8080), 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 Hawaii?

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 Hawaii?

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 Hawaii?

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 Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii WIC is administered by the Hawaii Department of Health and serves participants through clinics on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. Hawaii provides eWIC cards and breastfeeding support tailored to island communities.

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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii WIC Program (Hawaii Department of Health)below.

Hawaii WIC Agency

Hawaii WIC Program (Hawaii Department of Health)

Website: health.hawaii.gov/wic

Phone: 1-888-820-6425 (808-586-8080)

Apply online: health.hawaii.gov/wic/apply

Eligibility & Income Limits

Income limit (1 person): $2,831/month

Income limit (4 person): $5,851/month

185% of the 2026 Hawaii federal poverty guidelines (effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027): $2,831/mo (1 person), $3,838/mo (2), $4,844/mo (3), $5,851/mo (4), $6,858/mo (5), $7,865/mo (6), $8,871/mo (7), $9,878/mo (8); add $1,007/mo per additional person. Hawaii limits are higher than the lower 48 to reflect higher living costs. Adjunctive eligibility via Medicaid/SNAP/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; Hawaii food values reflect higher food costs.

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 Hawaii

Apply at health.hawaii.gov/wic/apply or call 1-888-820-6425 to find a Hawaii WIC clinic and schedule an appointment. 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 Hawaii?: WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a federal-state nutrition program run in Hawaii by Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii WIC Program at 1-888-820-6425 (808-586-8080) for the current chart, or use the eligibility tool at fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-tool.
How do I apply for WIC in Hawaii?: You can apply online at https://health.hawaii.gov/wic/apply/, by calling 1-888-820-6425 (808-586-8080), 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 Hawaii?: 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii?: 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 Hawaii?: 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 Hawaii WIC Program (Hawaii Department of Health) for exact current requirements. For other help, call 211 or visit 211.org.

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