Alabama WIC Program

About the Alabama WIC Program

Alabama WIC is administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and delivered through county health departments across all 67 Alabama counties. The program serves pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women up to six months after delivery (twelve months if breastfeeding), infants, and children under age five, reaching tens of thousands of eligible Alabamians each year.

To apply, call your local county health department or the statewide WIC line at 1-888-942-4673. Alabama WIC does not have a statewide online application — enrollment requires an in-person appointment at a county health department WIC clinic.

Alabama's Automatic Eligibility Program Names

Alabama uses the term "Family Assistance" alongside SNAP and Medicaid as qualifying programs for automatic income eligibility. If your household receives Family Assistance — Alabama's TANF cash assistance program — you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation. The same applies to Medicaid and SNAP enrollment.

Online Newborn Enrollment — For Existing WIC Moms

Alabama WIC offers one notable convenience for mothers already enrolled during pregnancy: if you were a WIC participant while pregnant, you can enroll your newborn baby without coming into the clinic. ADPH provides a downloadable form on the WIC apply page that you complete and email — along with required proof documents — directly to your local WIC office. Your new baby can be enrolled remotely. If you were not enrolled during pregnancy, standard in-person enrollment is required. Mobile and Jefferson County participants should contact their local WIC clinics directly for newborn enrollment instructions, as those counties have their own procedures.

WIC Shopper App

Alabama WIC participants can download the free WIC Shopper app — promoted by ADPH — available on the App Store and Google Play. The app lets you scan product barcodes or search by item name to instantly see whether a product is WIC-approved, check your current benefit balance, set reminders for appointments and benefit expirations, find your nearest WIC office or authorized store, and access wichealth.org nutrition education lessons. ADPH also maintains an Alabama WIC Facebook page where updates, recalls, and program news are posted regularly.

eWIC Self-Checkout

Alabama WIC has approved several major retailers to accept eWIC at self-checkout lanes. Stores currently approved include Walmart, Kroger, S&S Foods, and Winn Dixie. ADPH updates the approval list as new stores complete testing — visit alabamapublichealth.gov/wic/ewic.html for the current list. Your monthly food benefits are tied to a specific benefit period — any amount unused by midnight on the last day of that period expires and does not roll over.

Tribal WIC — Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Alabama has one federally recognized tribe: the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, headquartered in Atmore in Escambia County. The tribe's health clinic provides WIC services administered through the Alabama Department of Public Health's state WIC program. This is a state-run WIC clinic, open to both tribal members and other eligible community residents. Poarch Band tribal members and nearby residents can contact the tribal health clinic directly or call the statewide WIC line at 1-888-942-4673 to be connected to the nearest WIC office.

Frequently Asked Questions — Alabama WIC

Alabama WIC Income Limits 2026

Pregnant Women Count as Two

If you are pregnant, Alabama WIC counts you as two household members — yourself and the unborn child. If you are carrying multiples, count each additional baby separately. This can shift a household into the next income tier and is particularly significant for smaller families near the income threshold.

Automatic Income Eligibility — Alabama's Program Names

If your household participates in any of the following programs, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide pay stubs or other income proof:

• Medicaid — Alabama's Medicaid health coverage program
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)
• Family Assistance — Alabama's name for the federal TANF cash assistance program

Bring your current benefit card, award letter, or enrollment documentation from any of these programs to your WIC appointment. That document replaces income verification entirely.

Income Documentation if Not Auto-Eligible

If your household does not participate in Medicaid, SNAP, or Family Assistance, bring proof of income for everyone who was working in the household during the past month. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs, employer letters with gross earnings, Social Security or SSI award letters, unemployment benefit statements, and child support documentation. Alabama WIC uses gross income — before taxes — for all income calculations.

Alabama WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. Participation in WIC will not affect immigration status and is not included in the federal public charge rule.

Alabama WIC Approved Foods

Alabama WIC food benefits are loaded onto an eWIC card and accepted at authorized grocery stores across all 67 Alabama counties. Your monthly food benefits are tied to a specific benefit period — benefits not used by midnight on the last day of that period expire and do not roll over to the following month. Check your balance on your WIC shopping list, your last register receipt, by calling eWIC Customer Service at 1-855-279-0683, through the WIC Shopper app, or at WicConnect.com.

Download the free WIC Shopper app (App Store or Google Play) to scan barcodes or search by item name to check WIC eligibility, view benefit balances, set reminders, find authorized stores, and access wichealth.org nutrition education. Use your eWIC card first at checkout and pay for non-WIC items separately. A midpoint transaction receipt should be provided before you approve the transaction — review it carefully to confirm all WIC foods are listed before approving. When scanning fresh produce, the app may return a "NOT A WIC ITEM" message — tap "Scanning Produce?" to confirm that most fresh fruits and vegetables are WIC-approved and bring the item to the register.

Milk

1% low-fat or fat-free milk is approved for all women and children over two years old, including lactose-free versions. Whole milk — including lactose-free whole milk — is approved for one-year-old children. Approved container sizes: gallon, half-gallon, and 96 oz lactose-free milk.

With clinic authorization (must appear on your shopping list or benefit balance), cow's milk may be substituted for:

• Evaporated milk: Carnation or Pet brands only, 12 oz can
• Dry milk powder: 9.6 oz, 25.6 oz, or 39.5 oz container
• Ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk: 32 oz container
• Soy milk or plant-based milk alternatives: half gallon or 48 oz (see plant-based milk section below)

Do not buy: 2% milk, chocolate milk, buttermilk, organic milk, sweetened condensed milk, acidophilus-treated milk, or DHA Omega-3 milk.

Cheese

Cheese is purchased in 8 oz or 16 oz packages only. Approved forms: block, sliced, shredded, or string. Approved types: Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Provolone, Muenster, Processed American, Swiss, and any combination of approved types. Low fat, low cholesterol, and low sodium versions of approved types in approved sizes are allowed.

Do not buy: cheese food, cheese spread, cheese product, or imitation cheese. Do not buy cubes, sticks, crumbles, or cheese from a deli counter. No peppers, cream cheese, or other added ingredients.

Yogurt

Yogurt is purchased in 16 oz or 32 oz packages — tubs, cups, or tubes. Any brand and any flavor are approved, including Greek yogurt. Buy only the fat level approved for the participant:

• Children 12–23 months: whole or lowfat yogurt
• Women and children 2–4 years: lowfat or nonfat yogurt

Larger multi-pack sizes — 4 oz 12-pack (48 oz), 4 oz 16-pack (64 oz), and 2 oz 24-pack (48 oz) — may be purchased when the benefit balance on your shopping list allows.

Note: Beginning in April 2026, approved yogurts must contain 16 grams or less of added sugar per 1 cup (8 oz) serving — equivalently, 8 grams or less per 4 oz serving and 4 grams or less per 2 oz serving. These requirements will affect which yogurts are WIC-eligible starting that month.

Do not buy: individual cups or pouches sold separately, smoothies or drinkable yogurt, "light" yogurts made with artificial sweeteners, organic yogurts (except Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk), or yogurts with added fruit, granola, candy, cookies, honey, or nuts.

Eggs

White eggs, any grade or size, in 6-count, 12-count, or 18-count cartons. If your benefit balance shows one dozen, you cannot use it to purchase an 18-count carton. With clinic authorization, one dozen eggs may be substituted for one container of canned or dry peas/beans or peanut/nut/seed butter.

Do not buy: brown eggs, hard-boiled eggs, organic eggs, or specialty eggs (cage free, grain-fed hen, omega 3, or low cholesterol).

Cereals

Only the cereals on the Alabama WIC approved list may be purchased. Approved sizes: 8.9 oz to 36 oz boxes or bags. Box pictures may change and selections vary by store — use the WIC Shopper app's Cereal Calculator to combine boxes within your monthly allotment.

Approved cereals:

• Cheerios: Original, Multi Grain, Veggie Blends Apple Strawberry, Veggie Blends Blueberry Banana
• Frosted Mini Wheats: Original, Blueberry Muffin, Strawberry, Cocoa, Little Bites (new item)
• Great Grains: Banana Nut Crunch, Crunchy Pecan, Cranberry Almond Crunch, Raisins Dates & Pecans
• Honey Bunches of Oats: Honey Roasted, With Almonds, Vanilla, Strawberries
• Chex: Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Cinnamon Chex, Strawberry Vanilla Chex
• Kellogg's: Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes
• Kashi Honey Toasted, Kix, Bluey Cereal
• Quaker: Instant Original Grits, Instant Original Oatmeal
• Strawberry Cream Mini Spooners

Instant oatmeal single-serving packets listed under cereals use cereal benefits, not whole grain benefits.

Whole Grains

Whole grain benefits are separate from cereal benefits. Monthly allotments: 24 oz for children ages 1–4 years; 48 oz for women (all categories). Benefits combine — a woman with one child receives 72 oz per month. Any combination of approved whole grain products may be used within the ounce total. Products bearing a 100% Whole Grain or 50%+ Whole Grain stamp automatically qualify. Use the WIC Shopper app's Whole Grains Calculator to plan purchases.

Bread: 12 oz to 24 oz packages. All 100% whole wheat and 100% whole grain breads are allowed in these brands:

• Arnold: 100% Whole Wheat, 100% Whole Wheat Buns and Rolls, 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins, 100% Whole Wheat Small Slice, Stone Ground 100% Whole Wheat
• Bunny: 100% Whole Wheat
• Best Choice: 100% Whole Wheat
• Great Value: 100% Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns, 100% Whole Wheat and Honey, 100% Whole Wheat Round Top
• Kroger: 100% Whole Wheat, 100% Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns, 100% Whole Wheat Pre-Sliced Bagels, 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins
• Laura Lynn: 100% Whole Wheat
• Lewis: 100% Whole Wheat, Half Loaf 100% Whole Wheat, Healthy Life 100% Whole Wheat
• Market Pantry: 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich
• Nature's Own: 100% Whole Wheat With Honey, 100% Whole Grain Sugar Free, 100% Whole Grain, 100% Whole Wheat, 100% Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns, 100% Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns
• Pepperidge Farm: Whole Grain Thin Sliced 100% Whole Wheat, Whole Grain 100% Whole Wheat, Very Thin 100% Whole Wheat, Farmhouse 100% Whole Wheat, Light Style Soft Wheat, Whole Grain 15 Grain, Whole Grain Honey Wheat, Thin Sliced Whole Grain 15 Grain
• Private Selection: 100% Whole Wheat, Sugar Free Whole Wheat Sliced
• Publix: 100% Whole Wheat
• Sara Lee: 100% Whole Wheat, Delightful Healthy Multi-Grain, Delightful Honey Whole Wheat, Delightful Soft and Smooth Wheat
• SE Grocers: 100% Whole Wheat
• Thomas': 100% Whole Wheat Bagels, 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins
• Wonder: Small 100% Whole Wheat

Do not buy: breads with added flavors, seasonings, fats, or chopped nuts/fruit (such as cinnamon, raisin, or blueberry varieties), or organic breads.

Tortillas: Any package size and any tortilla size (street taco, taco, burrito, fajita). Approved brands and types:

• Best Choice: Whole Wheat Corn
• Celia's: Whole Grain Low Carb, 100% Whole Wheat, White Corn, Yellow Corn
• Chi-Chi's: Whole Wheat Fajita Style, White Corn
• Essential Everyday: Whole Wheat
• Fiesta Fit: Low Carb Whole Wheat Wraps
• Food Club: Whole Wheat
• Great Value: Whole Wheat, White Corn
• Hola Nola: White Corn
• Kroger: Whole Wheat, White Corn, Yellow Corn
• La Banderita: Street Taco Corn, White Corn, Yellow Corn, Corn, Fajita Whole Wheat, 100% Whole Wheat Soft Taco
• Laura Lynn: Whole Wheat, White Corn
• Market Pantry: Whole Wheat
• MiCasa: 100% Whole Wheat, Yellow Corn
• Mission: Carb Balance Whole Wheat, Yellow Corn, White Corn, Whole Wheat, 100% Whole Wheat, Extra Thin Corn, Red Corn
• Ortega: Whole Wheat
• Tio Santi: 100% Whole Wheat

Do not buy: flour tortillas, tostadas, organic, spinach or tomato basil wraps.

Pasta: Any brand, any shape, whole wheat or whole grain only. Any package size. Do not buy: organic pasta, egg noodles, pasta with added seasonings/sugars/fats/oils/salt, or gluten-free, veggie, or brown rice pasta.

Brown rice: Any brand, any package size — regular, instant, or boil-in-bag. Quinoa is allowed. Do not buy: organic, seasoned, white rice, frozen, or gourmet blends.

Oatmeal: Any brand, any package size — canisters, boxes, or bags. Quick-cooking, rolled, old-fashioned, or steel-cut. Use whole grain benefits for oats in boxes, bags, or tubs; use cereal benefits for instant oatmeal single-serving packets. Do not buy: organic, or oatmeal with added sugars/fats/oils/salt, added protein, flavors, chia seeds, or flax seeds.

100% Juice

Juice is purchased in 64 oz or 128 oz containers — shelf stable or refrigerated. Must be 100% juice with a minimum of 72 mg (80%) of vitamin C per 8 fl oz, or 120% vitamin C when milligrams are not listed on the label. The 128 oz gallon size may only be purchased when the benefit balance covers at least two 64 oz containers.

Approved brands include Welch's, Juicy Juice, Northland Cranberry, and Ocean Spray 100% Juice (not diluted varieties). Any brand qualifies if it is 100% juice with 72 mg of vitamin C in these flavors: Orange, Grapefruit, Apple, Grape, Pineapple, Cranberry, Tomato, or juice blends. With clinic authorization, one 64 oz juice may be substituted for a portion of the fruit and vegetable cash value benefit — only when specified on the shopping list or benefit balance.

Do not buy: juice cocktails, fruit drink, drink ades, diet juices, zero/light/less sugar juices, gourmet juices, or organic juices.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables only. Canned fruits and vegetables are not approved. Organic is allowed for fresh and frozen produce. Any variety of fresh or frozen fruit — whole, cut, sliced, or in chunks — and any variety of fresh or frozen vegetable — whole, cut, chopped, or diced — are eligible. Fresh herbs are approved as of the October 2025 food list. Examples: bananas, apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges, blueberries, cherries, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, potatoes (any color), green beans, cauliflower, collard greens, lettuce, corn. Packaged lettuce and salad greens without dressing or croutons are approved.

Do not buy: canned or dried fruits and vegetables, edible blossoms or flowers, dried herbs and spices, salad bar items, ornamental and decorative produce (chili peppers on a string, gourds, painted pumpkins), packaged salad greens with dressing and/or croutons, frozen produce with added oils/seasonings/sugars/sauces/breading, fruit baskets or party trays with dips or sauces, nuts including peanuts, fruit/nut/grain mixtures, or frozen fruit pulp.

Beans and Peas

Each protein container is your choice of one of three options: canned peas/beans, dry peas/beans, or peanut/nut/seed butter.

Canned peas and beans: Any brand, 15–16 oz cans of mature legumes only. Approved types: Blackeye peas, Black beans, Pinto beans, Garbanzo beans, Red beans, Navy beans, White beans, Lima beans, Butter beans, and Kidney beans. Four cans equal one container.

Dry peas and beans: Any brand, 16 oz bag.

Do not buy: vegetables, baked beans, or chili beans. Do not buy products with added seasonings, fats, meats, oils, or sauces, or organic products. Note: Green Beans and Sweet Peas are classified as vegetables in this food list and are not approved in the legumes category.

Peanut, Nut, and Seed Butter

Peanut butter: 16–18 oz jar. Approved styles: creamy, crunchy, chunky, natural, or low sodium/sugar. Nut and seed butter alternatives available with clinic authorization: Wowbutter brand only (soy-based) and Sunbutter brand only (sunflower seed).

Do not buy: reduced fat peanut butter, whipped, spreads, omega 3, organic, chocolate, plant protein, or products combined with jelly, honey, or similar ingredients.

Tofu

Tofu is a milk substitute available with clinic authorization only — it must appear on your shopping list or benefit balance. Approved brands: Azumaya and Nasoya. Approved texture: Firm or Extra Firm only. Package size: 14 oz to 16 oz. One package equals one quart of milk. No more than four packages may be substituted for milk (four packages equals one gallon).

Do not buy: tofu with added fats, sugars, oils, or sodium.

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

Plant-based milk alternatives require clinic authorization and must appear on your shopping list or benefit balance. Approved options:

• Silk Original — half gallon
• Better Goods — half gallon
• 8th Continent — half gallon
• Ripple Kids Milk, original or unsweetened — 48 oz

Canned Fish

All women and children now receive canned fish benefits. Light Tuna and Pink Salmon packed in water are the only approved species and preparations. Cans or foil pouches, chunk style, any brand. May contain added sauces and flavorings. May include bones or skin. May be low sodium. Fish types, packages, and sizes may be combined.

Monthly allotments by participant type:

• Children ages 1–4 years: up to 6 oz per month
• Pregnant and postpartum women: up to 10 oz per month
• Partially or mostly breastfeeding women: up to 15 oz per month
• Fully breastfeeding women: up to 20 oz per month

Benefits combine — a pregnant woman with two children may receive up to 22 oz per month combined.

Do not buy: fish packed in oil, fresh or frozen fish, white/albacore/yellowfin tuna, sockeye or red salmon, lunch packs, kits, or tuna salad.

Infant Cereal

Approved brands: Gerber and Earth's Best Organic. Standard package: 8 oz. Fully breastfed infants may receive a 16 oz package. Approved grain varieties: Rice, Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, Multigrain, Gluten Free, and Organic.

Do not buy: infant cereal with fruit or other additives, DHA, probiotics, or cereal puffs.

Infant Fruits and Vegetables

First or second stage infant fruits and vegetables only. Approved brands: Gerber, Beech-Nut, Parent's Choice, Happy Baby, Plum Organics, and Earth's Best — including Classics, Naturals, and Organics of these brands. Approved package sizes: 2 oz 2-packs, 4 oz 2-packs, 4 oz jars, 3.5 oz or 4 oz pouches. Variety and sampler packs of these sizes are allowed. Larger multi-packs — 4 oz 12-pack (48 oz), 4 oz 16-pack (64 oz), and 2 oz 24-pack (48 oz) — may be purchased when the benefit balance allows. With clinic authorization, baby food fruits and vegetables may be substituted for the cash value benefit toward fresh or frozen produce.

Do not buy: toddler foods, prebiotics, added fiber, desserts/dinners/casseroles, or products with added spices/sugars/starches/salt, or added meats/grains/granola/oats/noodles/cereal/yogurt/seeds.

Infant Meats

Infant meats are available only for fully breastfeeding infants over six months old. Approved brands: Gerber and Beech-Nut. Package size: 2.5 oz jars, plain meat with broth or gravy only. Variety and sampler packs are allowed.

Do not buy: meat sticks or pouches containing meats.

Infant Formula

Alabama WIC provides a contract formula for eligible infants. Special and exempt formulas require documentation from a physician submitted to your WIC clinic. Ask your WIC health professional which formula is authorized for your infant and which brands and sizes are covered under your current benefit package.