MDHHS - About WIC

The WIC Program

What is WIC?

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally-funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program of the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture and is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, serving low and moderate income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.

How does WIC work?

WIC is a health and nutrition program that has demonstrated a positive effect on pregnancy outcomes, child growth and development. The program provides a combination of nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. Participants exchange WIC food benefits at approved retail grocery stores and pharmacies. WIC foods are selected to meet nutrient needs such as calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamins A & C. To learn more, call the WIC agency nearest you for more information, or call 2-1-1.

Facts about WIC:

Facts about WIC English
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Each month, more than 200,000 moms, babies, and children less than age 5 receive nutritious foods from the Michigan WIC Program. WIC foods are worth $30-$112 or more per month for each participant.
WIC participants receive help with nutrition education and breastfeeding, as well as referrals to other health services.
One out of every two babies born in Michigan receives WIC benefits.
The earlier a pregnant woman receives nutritional benefits from WIC, the more likely she is to seek prenatal care and deliver a normal weight infant.
For every dollar spent by this program, more than three dollars in subsequent health care costs are saved.
A family of four may earn up to $45,510 per year and qualify for WIC.
Local communities are supported with more than $120 million yearly when WIC foods are purchased at grocery stores and pharmacies.

Client & Applicant Resources

Welcome to Michigan WIC