Federal, exists in every state
WIC food and nutrition support for a child under 5
Food and nutrition support for children under 5 and eligible pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum parents.
What it is
Food and nutrition support for children under 5 and eligible pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum parents.
WIC serves children under 5 and eligible pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum people. Income at or below 185% of poverty or participation in Medical Assistance, SNAP or MFIP can meet the income test. The clinic also checks residence and nutrition needs.
Eligibility rules
- Each child under 5 or eligible pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum person has a separate eligibility review. Another benefit establishes the income test, not age, residence or nutrition eligibility.
- The federal 185% income table effective July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 lists these household limits: two people, $3,337 monthly or $40,034 yearly; three, $4,212 or $50,542; four, $5,088 or $61,050; five, $5,964 or $71,558; six, $6,839 or $82,066. Minnesota WIC checks which people and income count. Medical Assistance, SNAP or MFIP participation can establish income eligibility, but the child or parent must still meet WIC’s other requirements. The clinic confirms Minnesota’s implementation period and any separate presumptive process.
- Your local WIC clinic can explain what it accepts for identity, Minnesota residence and income or participation in another qualifying program. Your social worker can help ask about immigration-related concerns and whether your child needs to attend the appointment.
What you get
- A monthly food package for each eligible child, usable alongside SNAP.
- Nutrition support and referrals.
What it is not
- Not the whole grocery budget. Prescribed formulas are not automatically covered; ask the clinic.
If you decide to apply
- Ask your social worker about a local Minnesota WIC clinic through the state WIC page or 800-942-4030.
- Bring proof of income or a current Medical Assistance, SNAP or MFIP approval, and the applicant’s details.
Minnesota WIC — Women, Infants and Children. For help finding your local WIC clinic: 800-942-4030. · Official page ↗
After you apply
- Each eligible family member receives their own review. A child age 5 or older cannot receive WIC, but an eligible pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum parent may qualify separately.
Good to know
Each person’s age or pregnancy status and nutrition needs are checked separately. Another benefit application does not establish WIC income eligibility.
Other details
- An older child’s diagnosis does not create WIC eligibility.
Official sources
- WIC 2026–2027 Income Eligibility Guidelines
- WIC Food Package IV for Children
- Dakota County — WIC eligibility
- Official program guidance — www.health.state.mn.us
- Official program guidance — www.federalregister.gov
- Official program guidance — www.health.state.mn.us
- Official program guidance — www.hennepincounty.gov
- Official program guidance — www.health.state.mn.us
- Official program guidance — www.fns.usda.gov
“Could anyone in our family qualify for WIC, what food help would it provide, and could you help us arrange a clinic review if it fits?”
Why I’m asking: We want to check eligibility for the younger child while treatment costs are high.
More background and detailed requirements
Additional program information and published rules
Who does what
The three parts, side by side. The agency decides; nobody on this page does.
You
Book the clinic appointment and bring proof of income or the Medicaid or SNAP card.
Your social worker
The social worker gives you the nearest food-program clinic's contact details and helps you gather proof of income or current benefits.
The care team
The social worker gives you the nearest food-program clinic's contact details.
- Who decides
- The local WIC clinic
- Ask the agency
- “Can we book a WIC appointment? Does Medicaid or SNAP meet the income requirement?”
How to apply
First step: Call the local WIC clinic (ask the social worker for the contact) and book the appointment.
- Use the state WIC option when a household member fits.
Where it starts: State WIC option. Ask the social worker for the contact
What to gather
- Proof of income or the Medicaid or SNAP card
- Identity and address
- The child's immunization record if asked
How long: One clinic visit. Benefits usually load the same day.
What a yes looks like
A WIC card loaded with the monthly package.
What a no looks like, and the next move
If income is too high or nobody fits a participant group, ask again if income drops or a baby arrives.
Watch out
- Each participant gets a set food package. The card does not cover all groceries.
- Bring proof of Medicaid or SNAP so the clinic can check the income requirement.
The numbers and the rules
The arcane layer, kept on purpose. Checked September 7, 2026.
What it is worth
For a child aged 1 to 4, the federal package includes $26 a month in fruit and vegetables plus specified foods.
- $26/month — Child age 1–4 fruit and vegetable value
Covers: Specified food package · Nutrition education · Breastfeeding support · Health and social referrals
What it costs the family: No premium.
The eligibility facts, as published
- Participant category
- pregnant or postpartum person, infant, or child under 5
- Income ceiling percent fpl
- 185
- Adjunctive eligibility
- Medicaid or SNAP in the household
Decisions this site cannot make: Financial and nutrition-risk eligibility
Expect friction on: A clinic appointment
The trap: The food program (WIC) provides a set package for each participant. It does not cover all groceries.
What changes by state: The application option and the clinic. The income table is federal (July 2026 through June 2027).
Where I read this
- WIC 2026–2027 Income Eligibility Guidelines — U.S. Department of Agriculture, read August 27, 2026
- WIC Food Package IV for Children — U.S. Department of Agriculture, read August 27, 2026