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Onondaga County

Health

WIC

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Onondaga County Health Department WIC Program is here to help! We provide eligible participants with nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, and referrals to other programs and services. Contact us today to learn more!

To be eligible for WIC you must:

  • Live in New York State
  • Meet income guidelines or participate in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, certain levels of the Essential Plan, or Head Start/Early Head Start
  • Be in one of the following categories:
    • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or had a baby or pregnancy loss within the last 6 months
    • Have a child under 5 years old
    • Are a guardian or foster parent of a child under 5

Applying for WIC is easy! Choose the option that works best for you:

Free Translation Services Available

Llámanos al 315-435-3304 para aplicar (Servicios de traducción gratuitos disponibles)
Piga nabari hii 315-435-3304 kwa maombi (Huduma za tafsiri zabure zinapatikana)
Naga soo wac 315-435-3304 Si aad u codsato (Adeegyada turjumaada bilaashka ah ayaa la heli karaa)
315-435-3304 للتقديم، يرجى التواصل معنا على هذا الرقم. (تتوفر خدمات الترجمة المجانية)

It’s easy to get started and stay with WIC!

  • All WIC appointments can be completed over the phone or in-person – your choice!
  • After your Certification/Recertification, you’ll usually have an appointment every 3 months
  • Completing your appointment is required to receive your WIC benefits

Certification or Recertification is required for:

  • All new WIC participants
  • A new pregnancy
  • Changing from pregnant to postpartum or breastfeeding
  • Annually for children

These appointments have 2 parts and typically last 30-60 minutes

To apply or recertify, the following documents are needed:

  • Proof of Identity
  • Proof of Address
  • Proof of Income (or participation in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, certain levels of the Essential Plan, or Head Start/Early Head Start)
  • Not required, but encouraged: Height, weight, and hemoglobin (if you choose an in-person appointment, WIC staff can take these measurements)
  • Review your documents and determine if you are eligible for WIC
  • Ask questions required by New York State
  • Mail or provide you with an eWIC card (if you don’t have one or need a new one)
  • Ask questions to better understand your family’s health and nutrition needs
  • Talk with you about nutrition, breastfeeding, and overall wellness
  • Provide referrals to other programs and services
  • Issue WIC benefits and explain how to shop using your eWIC card
  • Usually happen 3 and 9 months after your Certification/Recertification
  • Online Nutrition Education can be completed in place of a phone or in-person appointment
  • Usually happen 6 months after your Certification/Recertification
  • You’ll be asked to provide updated height, weight, and, if needed, hemoglobin – If you don’t have this information, no worries! Providing it is not required, but encouraged. If you choose an in-person appointment, WIC staff can take these measurements for you.
  • Phone Appointments:
    • Make sure WIC has your current phone number, that your phone is on at the time of your appointment, and that your voicemail is set up
    • Our staff will try to call you twice to complete your appointment
    • If you miss our calls, check your voicemail for a message from us
  • Submit your required documents before your appointment using the secure link we texted you – Need a new link? Text or call us

WIC helps you buy fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, milk, cheese, yogurt and soy products, beans, and peanut butter as well as baby foods and, if needed, infant formula. WIC participants are provided with an eWIC card, which works like a debit card to buy WIC-approved foods and formula at stores and pharmacies.

Check out these helpful resources to learn more about shopping with WIC:

Some WIC appointments can be completed online – on your schedule and from anywhere!  Online nutrition education is quick, easy, and a great way to learn about healthy eating, find family-friendly recipes, and more.

Want to learn more? Ask WIC staff or explore the resources below:

Whether it is providing individualized breastfeeding/chestfeeding education and support, a referral to a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, or a breast pump – WIC is here to help you achieve your goals!

Other helpful breastfeeding resources:

Help your patients access nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding/chestfeeding support by submitting a Medical Referral Form to OCHDWIC@ongov.net or via fax at 315-435-2224.

WIC can only provide formulas on the WIC Program Formulary. If a formula is not on this list, WIC cannot provide it.

A completed Medical Documentation Form is required to receive products listed under Formulas for Medical Needs or to switch from one of these products to another WIC-approved formula.

The Medical Documentation Form is not required to receive or switch between Standard Formulas, Formulas for Mild Intolerance, or Formulas for Religious Exemptions.

The Medical Documentation Form must be completed correctly and in full for WIC to provide the requested product.

  • Forms can be completed by an MD, NP, or PA
  • The form must include the HCP’s signature and contact information
  • HCPs can list multiple formulas and product forms to allow for alternative options based on availability
  • If the form is incomplete, WIC may not be able to provide the product
  • Please note: WIC will provide all supplemental foods unless restrictions are indicated in Section C: WIC Supplemental Food Restrictions

Use our WIC Materials Request Form to order free WIC brochures or request a presentation to learn more about WIC services and eligibility.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement and NYS WIC Complaint Information