WIC In Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Women, Infants, Children, or WIC, program provides nutritional services to breastfeeding and expectant mothers and to children up to the age of 5. Single fathers are also eligible to receive services for dependent children who meet the age requirements. To receive Pennsylvania WIC benefits, applicants must meet household income requirements and be a resident of the state; however, citizenship is not a requirement.

WIC Foods

The WIC program distributes vouchers that you redeem for specific foods. Examples of food items available through the program include milk, eggs, cereal, bread, peanut butter, juice and cheese. Vouchers are also available for fresh fruits and vegetables that you can purchase through your regular grocer, or at some local farmer's markets. Infants on the program may receive infant formula, baby cereal, jarred baby food, bananas and juice.

Breastfeeding Support

Pennsylvania encourages new mothers to breastfeed. Pregnant mothers receive food vouchers, and when the mother chooses to breastfeed postpartum, she continues to receive food assistance, with additional foods that support the enhanced dietary needs for creating healthy breast milk. The Pennsylvania WIC program distributes breast pumps to mothers who return to work or school and have lactation consultants that counsel and assist mothers who have difficulty breastfeeding.

Health Screenings

WIC participants receive basic health screenings that evaluate nutritional risks. Weight, height and iron levels are monitored periodically to assess growth patterns and anemic deficiencies. In addition, a WIC counselor reviews recipients' health and immunization records and provides referrals to outside agencies when necessary. In general, outside referrals are made to agencies that offer services for free or reduced cost to income-eligible Pennsylvania residents.

How to Apply

At the time of publication, the income requirement for WIC assistance ranges between $20,036 and $68,469 annually, depending on the size of the applicant's household. If you receive other Pennsylvania assistance, such as food stamps, Medicaid or TANF, you already meet income requirements. To apply for the program, call your local WIC clinic to schedule a certification appointment. When you attend the appointment, remember to bring documents to prove your income, residency and identity. You must also bring immunization records and birth certificates for any children who may receive WIC foods.