How To Apply For WIC In Mississippi

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also know as WIC, is a program that is designed to help low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children 5 years old or younger who are at nutritional risk. The Mississippi WIC program accomplishes this by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information that can help provide healthy eating options including breastfeeding, and referrals to health care. If you are looking to know how to apply for WIC in Mississippi, then read the information provided below.

Who Is Eligible For Mississippi WIC?
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 For WIC in Person
USDA policy requires that applicants must apply in person for WIC benefits at their local 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.

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

Mississippi WIC Program Contact Information:
805 S. Wheatley St Suite 400
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: (601) 991-6000 or call toll-free (800) 545-6747 outside of Jackson

WIC Income Guidelines
The Food & Nutrition Service of the USDA publishes income qualifications for WIC applicants. These income levels are updated regularly; see the USDA web site for the latest figures. Current eligibility guidelines appear below. If your annual income is at or below the amount listed for your family size, then you can qualify for WIC assistance. Income listed is gross income, before taxes, insurance, or any other deductions.