Wic Benefits In Brunswick County, Nc

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program in Brunswick County, North Carolina, provides supplemental nutrition and support to low-income pregnant women, nursing women, and young children up to five years old. The program offers breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare services. WIC services can be accessed in-person or virtually, with three offices located in Leland, Bolivia, and Shallotte, and virtual appointments available via phone, video conferencing, or the MyNCWIC portal.

WIC appointment options

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides several options for scheduling appointments, depending on your state and local agency. Some common appointment options include:

• In-person appointments: Beginning August 1, 2023, WIC returned to in-person appointments. This option allows you to meet with WIC staff at your local office to discuss your application, ask questions, and receive assistance.
• Virtual appointments: Many local agencies offer the option to complete appointments over the phone, via video conferencing, or through online portals such as MyNCWIC. For virtual appointments, you will still need to provide proof of your address, ID, and income by emailing, faxing, or uploading the required documents.
• Priority scheduling: In some cases, priority may be given to certain individuals when scheduling appointments. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding women may be given priority over infants or children.
• Joint applications: If you are applying for WIC in conjunction with another program, such as Head Start, you may have the option to complete a joint application. However, it's important to note that the processing timeframes for WIC may differ from those of the other program.

When scheduling your WIC appointment, be sure to inquire about the specific options available in your area. Each state and local agency may have slightly different procedures and requirements. Additionally, be prepared to provide the necessary documentation, such as proof of income, identification, and immunization records, as these are typically required for your appointment.

For Brunswick County, North Carolina, specifically, WIC clients have the option to complete their appointments in person, over the phone, via video conferencing, or by using the MyNCWIC portal. To schedule an appointment, you can contact your local WIC office in Leland, Bolivia, or Shallotte during their operating hours of 8:30 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday.

WIC eligibility criteria

The WIC program is a supplemental nutrition program that provides food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible women who are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are breastfeeding, as well as infants and children up to five years of age.

To be eligible for the WIC program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Categorical Requirement

The WIC program is designed to serve certain categories of women, infants, and children. The following individuals are considered categorically eligible for WIC:

• Pregnant women (during pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth or the end of pregnancy)
• Postpartum women (up to six months after the birth of an infant or the end of pregnancy)
• Breastfeeding women (up to the infant's first birthday)
• Infants (up to the infant's first birthday)
• Children (up to the child's fifth birthday)

Residential Requirement

Applicants must live in the state in which they apply. At the option of the state agency, applicants may be required to live in a local service area and apply at a WIC clinic serving that area. It is not mandatory to live in the state or local service area for a specified period to meet the WIC residency requirement.

Income Standard

To be eligible on the basis of income, applicants' gross income (before taxes) must be at or below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. While most states use the maximum guidelines, they may set lower-income limit standards. Additionally, individuals who participate in other benefits programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF automatically meet the income eligibility requirement.

Nutrition Risk Requirement

Applicants must be seen by a health professional such as a physician, nurse, or nutritionist who must determine whether the individual is at "nutrition risk." This health screening is provided free of charge at WIC clinics, but this information can also be obtained from an outside health professional. "Nutrition risk" means that an individual has medical-based or dietary-based conditions. Examples of medical-based conditions include anemia, underweight, or a history of poor pregnancy outcomes. A dietary-based condition would include an inadequate dietary pattern.

WIC office locations

The WIC Program is a supplemental nutrition program that provides food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible women who are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are breastfeeding, as well as infants and children up to five years of age.

There are three WIC office locations in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The main campus of Brunswick County Health Services is located at 25 Courthouse Drive (Building A) in Bolivia and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. The other two locations offer WIC services only:

• The Leland WIC office is located in the Family Resource Center at 1492 Village Road NE.
• The Shallotte WIC office is located in the East Gate Plaza at 150-9 Holden Beach Road.

The hours of operation for the Leland and Shallotte locations are: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to noon, 1 pm to 5 pm, and Friday, 7:30 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm.

To schedule an appointment, please call your local WIC office between 8:30 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. You can reach the offices at the following numbers:

• Leland - Phone: 910-253-2877, Fax: 910-371-5878
• Bolivia - Phone: 910-253-2288, Fax: 910-253-2380
• Shallotte - Phone: 910-253-2878, Fax: 910-754-3192

WIC services

The WIC Program in Brunswick County, North Carolina, offers a range of services to eligible women, infants, and children. The program is designed to support low-income pregnant women, nursing women, and young children up to the age of five with their nutritional needs. Here is an overview of the WIC services available:

Nutrition Education and Counselling

WIC provides education and counselling on healthy eating and nutrition to help participants make informed food choices. This includes guidance on choosing nutritious foods, understanding food labels, and preparing healthy meals and snacks.

Breastfeeding Support and Promotion

The program offers comprehensive breastfeeding support and promotion services. This includes providing resources, educational materials, and one-on-one counselling to help mothers initiate and continue breastfeeding. Breastfeeding supplies are also available through the program.

Supplemental Foods

WIC participants receive supplemental foods that are nutritious and support their health needs. This includes a variety of items such as milk, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, infant formula, infant cereals, and meats.

Referrals to Healthcare and Social Services

The program also facilitates referrals to healthcare and social services. WIC staff connect participants with dentists, childcare and preschool services, doctors, specialty health professionals, and public or private healthcare providers as needed.

Appointment Flexibility

WIC offers flexible appointment options to its clients. Appointments can be conducted in-person, over the phone, via video conferencing, or through the MyNCWIC portal. Clients can choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences.

The WIC Program in Brunswick County aims to improve the health and well-being of eligible women, infants, and children by providing these essential services. By offering nutritional support, education, and access to healthcare resources, the program helps ensure that families have the tools and knowledge to lead healthier lives.

WIC application process

The WIC program is a supplemental nutrition program that provides food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible women who are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are breastfeeding, as well as infants and children up to five years of age.

The WIC application process typically involves the following steps:

• Contact your local or state WIC agency: You can usually find contact information for your local or state WIC office on their website or by searching for the WIC Office Locator. They will help you set up an appointment and let you know what documents you need to bring.
• Submit your application: You can often start your application online or over the phone. During this process, you will be asked to provide information about your address, benefits programs, income, and identification.
• Attend your WIC appointment: At your appointment, you will typically meet with a nutrition expert who will help determine your eligibility. They may measure, weigh, and check the iron levels of each family member applying for WIC. They will also answer any questions you have about health and nutrition.
• Receive benefits: If you are deemed eligible, you will receive food benefits designed to meet your specific needs, as well as a WIC card that can be used at authorized vendors to purchase healthy foods for your family.

It is important to note that WIC is a short-term program, and participants will usually receive benefits for 6 months to a year before needing to reapply. The length of participation depends on the individual's situation, such as whether they are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, an infant, or a child.

Frequently asked questions