Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get help with breastfeeding?
For breastfeeding assistance, you can call our 24-hour Breastfeeding Hotline at 518-221-7183, or call the Whitney Young Health WIC office at 518-465-9387 for a breastfeeding consultation appointment with the Lactation Counselors in office.
Whitney Young WIC also has a Breastfeeding Support Facebook Page.
Do I qualify for WIC?
You may be eligible for WIC if:
- You are a pregnant, postpartum or nursing, or if you have children under the age of five
- You live in New York State
- You or your children are determined to be at nutritional risk
You must also meet the income eligibility guidelines.
However, you automatically income-qualify for WIC if you currently receive:
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps/SNAP benefits
- TANF (temporary assistance)
To see if you qualify, take this WIC Pre-screening Tool.
What do I bring to my WIC appointment?
You need to bring certain items to your WIC appointment to prove you are eligible. See the list of items to bring to your WIC appointment.
In addition, the WIC staff will assess your height, weight and iron count to determine your nutritional needs.
Are there other forms that will need to be completed before I quality for WIC?
As part of your appointment, WIC has to gather some information about your health. If you have been to the doctor recently, it is helpful if you bring some of your health information with you. Also, if you or your child has any special dietary needs, your doctor will need to complete a special form called the medical documentation form.
Medical Documentation for WIC Formula and Approved WIC Foods for Infants, Children and Women
NOTE: The form above (Medical Documentation for WIC Formula and Approved WIC Foods for Infants, Children and Women) needs to have the medical documentation attached to it.
What benefits can I get with my WIC EBT card?
Download WIC Acceptable Foods list:
This card lists the foods and brands that you are allowed to purchase with your WIC EBT card. It also lists those items you are NOT allowed to purchase with your WIC EBT card.
Use WIC EBT card only at authorized WIC Stores in New York State. Look for the “We Accept WIC EBT Cards” sign in the window. Separate your WIC foods from your other groceries at the register. Be sure to tell the cashier you are making a WIC purchase.
WIC Acceptable Foods Card is available in 21 languages at https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/
How do I use my WIC EBT card?
You can only purchase WIC-approved foods as listed on the WIC Acceptable Foods Card, and only the types and amounts of food listed on the WIC Shopping List.
Where can I use my WIC EBT card?
WIC EBT card is only authorized for WIC Stores in New York State.
The following stores that are authorized to accept WIC EBT card:
- Walmart
- Hannaford
- Price Chopper/Market 32
- Shop Rite.
For other grocery stores and bodegas, please look for the “We Accept WIC EBT Cards” sign in the window.
Which local farmers markets accept WIC checks?
Use this map of the local Farmers Markets that accept WIC.
The Capital Roots’ Veggie Mobile is open year-round, six days a week. Get the schedule and locations.
Who do I contact if I suspect someone of WIC Fraud?
If you suspect that someone may be committing WIC fraud or abuse, please contact the fraud hotline at (877) 282-6657 or Debra Hathaway at (518) 402-7101.
To send you complaint in writing, please mail to WIC Fraud, BSI, P.O. Box 2061, Albany, NY 12220-0061.
What else should I know about WIC?
Helpful Nutrition Information
Nutrition is so important for pregnant and nursing mothers, postpartum women, infants, and small children. It is during these life stages that access to healthy food is needed most. That is why Whitney Young Health Center offers the WIC program.
- WIC offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, access to healthy food, and referrals for other needed services.
- WIC supports the health of pregnant and postpartum women, and their children up to the age of five. Fathers, stepparents, grandparents and foster parents may all apply for WIC for children in their care.
- WIC distributes benefits, which can be used specifically for purchasing nutritious foods and formula from designated stores.
- WIC has been shown to improve the health of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women, and their young children. The foods provided through WIC are good sources of important nutrients that are often missing from the diets of women and young children.
- WIC participants have longer, healthier pregnancies and fewer premature births.
For more information about Nutrition and Breastfeeding go to https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/