Alaska WIC Program

About the Alaska WIC Program

Alaska WIC is administered by the Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance (DPA) and serves families across one of the most geographically challenging states in the nation. The program provides free healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding assessment and support, and referrals to healthcare and community services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC is open to all kinds of families — married or single parents, working or not working — and welcomes mothers, fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and any guardian of a child under 5. WIC does not consider immigration status in its eligibility determination and participation is not a public charge factor.

Who Qualifies for WIC in Alaska

To qualify, applicants must live in Alaska, have a nutritional need (WIC staff can determine this at your appointment), and meet income guidelines. Foster parents and guardians of children under 5 may apply on behalf of the children in their care. If your household is already enrolled in SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Denali KidCare, ATAP (Alaska Temporary Assistance Program), or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations), your income automatically meets WIC guidelines and no separate income documentation is required.

Alaska Native and ITO WIC Programs

Alaska has 229 federally recognized tribes — more than any other state — and several Alaska Native regional health corporations operate their own WIC programs under Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) agreements with USDA. Southcentral Foundation, the Alaska Native-owned and operated health system, operates a dedicated WIC clinic at 4320 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508. Alaska Native and American Indian families in the Anchorage area may choose to enroll through Southcentral Foundation WIC or through the state DPA clinic network. Other Alaska Native regional health corporations — including organizations serving the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Interior Alaska, Norton Sound, Southeast Alaska, the Kodiak area, the Bristol Bay region, Northwest Alaska, and the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands — may also operate ITO WIC programs. Contact your regional Alaska Native health corporation or email the state WIC office to find the program serving your community. Alaska Native households enrolled in FDPIR are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

Extreme Geography and High Food Costs

Alaska presents unique challenges that shape how WIC operates. Many Alaska communities — particularly in rural, bush, and remote regions — are accessible only by small plane or boat, with no road connections to larger population centers. This geographic isolation makes food costs significantly higher than the national average. WIC's monthly food benefits provide critical nutritional support in communities where fresh produce and quality protein can be costly to access. The program works to ensure Alaska families in both urban and remote areas can access their benefits.

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program — $45 Per Family Member, Alaska-Grown Only

Alaska WIC's Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides $45 in electronic food benefits per eligible family member each season, usable at participating farmers' markets, authorized farms, and roadside stands throughout Alaska. All produce must be fresh, unprepared, and grown in Alaska — legumes and processed items are not eligible. The program operates in Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Homer, Kenai, Palmer, Wasilla, Willow, Soldotna, Kodiak, Juneau, and Sitka. Your WIC clinic will issue FMNP benefits electronically; contact your local clinic for enrollment details and the current season schedule.

eWIC Card, WICShopper App, and ebtEDGE Portal

Alaska WIC participants receive an eWIC card that functions like a debit card at authorized grocery stores statewide, including Fred Meyer and Safeway locations. Download the WICShopper app to register your eWIC card, check your benefit balance, scan product barcodes to confirm WIC eligibility before checkout, and find your nearest WIC clinic and authorized stores. You can also manage your card through the ebtEDGE online portal at ebtedge.com or by calling the eWIC Customer Service line at 1-844-386-3149. For online nutrition education, Alaska WIC uses wichealth.org, where participants can complete required nutrition education modules at their own pace from home.

Breastfeeding Support

Alaska WIC provides breastfeeding assessment and counseling at every clinic appointment. As of September 2025, Alaska WIC has partnered with Pacify Health to expand access to virtual lactation support services for WIC participants. Ask your local clinic about available breastfeeding peer counseling and telehealth lactation options. Breastfeeding in Alaska is protected by law — mothers have the right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime.

Adjunctive Eligibility — Alaska-Specific Program Names

Alaska WIC uses state-specific program names that qualify for automatic income eligibility. Denali KidCare is Alaska's children's health coverage program. The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) is Alaska's TANF equivalent. Families currently enrolled in Medicaid, Denali KidCare, SNAP (Food Stamps), ATAP, or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide separate pay stubs or income documentation at their appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions — Alaska WIC

Alaska WIC Income Limits 2026

Alaska uses its own federal poverty guidelines, which are higher than those for the 48 contiguous states — reflecting Alaska's elevated cost of living. WIC income eligibility is set at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The limits below apply July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and match the income guidelines published on the official Alaska Department of Health WIC website.

How Household Size Is Counted

Pregnant women count as two people in the household — the woman plus one for each unborn child. Foster children are included in the household count even if their income is not considered. WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status — all household members are counted regardless of status, and residency in Alaska is the only geographic requirement.

Automatic Income Eligibility (Adjunctive Eligibility)

If any household member is currently enrolled in SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Denali KidCare, ATAP (Alaska Temporary Assistance Program), or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations), the entire household is automatically income-eligible for WIC. No pay stubs or income documentation are required — bring your current program card or a verification letter to your appointment.

Alaska WIC Income Limits — July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

For a household of 4, the Alaska WIC income limit is $74,352 per year ($6,196 per month). These figures reflect Alaska's higher Federal Poverty Level and are approximately 25% above the limit for the 48 contiguous states. For households larger than 8, add $12,728 per year ($1,061 per month) for each additional person.

Source: Alaska Department of Health WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, per USDA FNS guidance.

Even if your income is above these limits, you may still qualify if a household member is enrolled in an adjunctive program (SNAP, Medicaid, Denali KidCare, ATAP, or FDPIR). Final eligibility is determined by your local Alaska WIC clinic, which will conduct a nutritional risk screening at your appointment.

Alaska WIC Approved Foods

Alaska WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized grocery stores statewide, including Fred Meyer and Safeway locations. Download the WICShopper app to check your balance, scan barcodes to confirm WIC eligibility, and find authorized stores. You can also manage your card through the ebtEDGE online portal at ebtedge.com or call the eWIC Customer Service line at 1-844-386-3149. The full Alaska WIC Approved Foods Guide is available at health.alaska.gov and through the WICShopper app.

Fruits and Vegetables

All participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) — the amount is shown on your benefit card — for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils. Eligible participants in participating communities also receive $45 per family member in seasonal FMNP benefits for fresh Alaska-grown produce at authorized farmers' markets.

Whole Grains

Approved options include whole wheat bread (and approved rolls, buns, and thins), brown rice (any brand, 14oz–32oz, boxed or bagged, not microwavable), 100% whole wheat pasta (16oz, any shape), corn or whole wheat tortillas, and approved iron-fortified hot and cold cereals. Check the Alaska WIC Approved Foods Guide for current approved brands and sizes.

Dairy and Protein

• Milk: low-fat (1%), non-fat, lactose-free, dry powdered, or Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk; no smaller than 1 quart
• Soy beverage: 32oz to 64oz
• Tofu: 16oz; firm, extra firm, medium firm, or silken varieties
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby, Cheddar (mild or medium only), Swiss, Provolone, Mozzarella, or pasteurized process American; 8oz–32oz
• Yogurt: low-fat or non-fat for women and children 2+; whole milk yogurt for children age 1; 8oz–32oz (not Greek or organic)
• Eggs: any size, fresh white or brown; cage-free and organic allowed
• Peanut butter: 15oz–18oz; creamy, chunky, smooth, low sodium, or low sugar varieties (not organic, honey roasted, or grind-your-own)
• Canned fish for women and children ages 2–5: pink salmon (5oz–14.75oz), tuna (5oz–16oz, packed in water, no added flavors), sardines (3oz–15oz, water or oil packed), or mackerel (15oz; Atlantic, Chub Pacific, or Jack Mackerel only); albacore/white tuna and king mackerel are not allowed
• Dry or canned beans, peas, and lentils; refried beans without added sugars, fats, or meats

Infant Foods

• Infant formula for formula-fed infants; breastfed infants receive enhanced food packages
• Iron-fortified infant cereal (barley, oatmeal, or multi-grain) for infants 6–12 months; rice cereal is not allowed
• Jarred infant fruits and vegetables (stages 1, 2, and 2½; 4oz jars or 8oz two-packs) for infants 6–12 months
• Jarred infant meats (single ingredient, 2.5oz) for fully breastfed infants 6–12 months

Juice and Cereal

100% juice with at least 120% Daily Value of vitamin C and no added sugars. Women may purchase 11.5oz–12oz frozen concentrate or 46oz–48oz containers; children may purchase 16oz frozen or 64oz containers. Iron-fortified cereals must meet Alaska WIC specifications — see the Approved Foods Guide for approved brands and sizes.