Arkansas WIC Program

About the Arkansas WIC Program

Arkansas WIC is administered by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Nutrition/WIC Program and serves tens of thousands of Arkansas families each month — including pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children ages 1 to 4. The program is available at all Local Health Units in Arkansas, satellite clinics, and four dedicated WIC-only clinics. To apply, call your local county health unit or the State WIC Office at 501-661-2508 or toll-free at 1-800-235-0002. You can also email wic.program@arkansas.gov.

The program has no enrollment caps, so if you meet the income and eligibility criteria, there is no waiting list.

Apply in Any Arkansas County

Arkansas WIC has an unusually flexible geographic policy: you can apply for and receive WIC in any county in Arkansas — not just the county where you live. If the clinic nearest your home has a longer wait or inconvenient hours, you are free to make an appointment at any other county health unit or WIC clinic in the state. This is explicitly stated on the ADH WIC page and gives Arkansas families more flexibility than most other state programs.

TEA and ARKids — Arkansas's Program Names

Arkansas uses state-specific names for several programs that trigger automatic WIC income eligibility. TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance) is Arkansas's name for the federal TANF cash assistance program. ARKids is Arkansas's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Both TEA and ARKids are listed by name on the ADH WIC website alongside Medicaid and SNAP as qualifying programs for automatic income eligibility — knowing these names matters when gathering documents for your appointment.

Tuesday Extended Hours — Statewide

Every Arkansas Local Health Unit maintains a distinctive statewide schedule: standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — but on Tuesdays, all units stay open until 6:00 p.m., starting at 9:30 a.m. This extended Tuesday schedule is a statewide policy designed to accommodate working families who cannot make daytime appointments on other days. If you work a standard daytime schedule, Tuesday afternoon or evening appointments are your best option across the state.

WICShopper App

Arkansas WIC participants can use the free WICShopper app — available on the App Store and Google Play — to access their shopping list, scan foods to check WIC eligibility, view nutritional information, and find WIC-approved recipes. The app was introduced alongside Arkansas's transition to eWIC cards. Up to three months of benefits can be loaded onto the eWIC card at a time, though participants must visit the clinic to receive each new benefit issuance.

Breastfeeding Support

Arkansas law protects a mother's right to breastfeed. Arkansas WIC provides breastfeeding education, peer counseling, and breast pumps to qualifying participants. Breastfeeding mothers receive an enhanced food package with additional foods, and WIC support continues for up to one year postpartum for breastfeeding women.

Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas WIC

Arkansas WIC Income Limits 2026

Pregnant Women Count as Two

If you are pregnant, Arkansas WIC counts you as two household members — yourself and the unborn child. If expecting multiples, count each baby separately. This can increase your household size and raise the income threshold that applies to your family.

Automatic Income Eligibility — Arkansas's Program Names

Arkansas uses state-specific names for several qualifying programs. If your household participates in any of the following, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation:

• Medicaid — Arkansas's Medicaid program
• ARKids — Arkansas's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). ARKids is explicitly listed by name on the ADH WIC page as a qualifying program alongside Medicaid.
• TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance) — Arkansas's name for the federal TANF cash assistance program
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)

Bring your current benefit card, award letter, or enrollment documentation for any of these programs to your WIC appointment. Proof of enrollment replaces income documentation entirely. Proof of Medicaid, TEA, or SNAP enrollment also satisfies the proof of Arkansas residency requirement — you do not need a separate utility bill if you bring one of these documents.

Income Documentation if Not Auto-Eligible

If your household does not participate in any of the qualifying programs above, bring proof of income for all household members — current pay stubs, W-2 forms, your most recent federal income tax return, or employer letters stating gross wages. Arkansas WIC uses gross income before any deductions or taxes.

Arkansas WIC does not ask about citizenship or immigration status. Receiving WIC benefits will not affect immigration status.

Arkansas WIC Approved Foods

Arkansas WIC food benefits load onto an eWIC card accepted at WIC-authorized grocery stores statewide. Your monthly food package depends on your participant category — pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant, or child — and is set at your certification appointment. Benefits expire at midnight on the last day of each benefit month; your receipt after every shopping trip shows your remaining balance.

My Arkansas WIC App

Download the free My Arkansas WIC app from the App Store or Google Play (search "My Arkansas WIC") to manage your benefits between clinic visits. The app shows your current benefit balance, upcoming benefits, and messages and alerts from the WIC program. The Food Finder feature lets you scan UPC barcodes or enter codes manually to confirm whether an item is WIC-approved before you put it in your cart. A Store Locator provides names, addresses, phone numbers, and directions to WIC-authorized stores near you. To register, open Settings, select Register, and enter your 8-digit Household ID and the last 10 digits of your eWIC card number.

Milk

Cow's milk in gallon, half-gallon, or quart containers. Buy the least expensive brand available. The following are always covered:

• Fat free, nonfat, or skim milk
• Low fat, light, or 1% milk
• Low fat or skim buttermilk
• Lactose-free milk (1% or skim)
• Evaporated milk (fat free or skim)
• Powdered nonfat dry milk — 25.6 oz container

The following are covered only if listed on your WIC benefit:

• Whole milk
• Lactose-free whole milk
• Evaporated milk (whole fat)
• Reduced fat milk (2%)
• Lactose-free reduced fat milk (2%)

Not covered: Bulgarian buttermilk, calcium-fortified milk, flavored milk (including chocolate), goat's milk, high-protein milk, nut or grain milks (almond, coconut, or rice), sweetened-condensed milk, Tetra-Pack or Tetra-Brik packaging, unhomogenized milk, or Vitamite.

Soy-Based Beverage

A soy-based beverage is available for children 2 years and older and for women, in half-gallon or quart containers. Arkansas WIC approves these brands in Original flavor:

• 8th Continent — Original and Vanilla
• Pacific — Original
• Silk — Original
• Store Brand — Original

Other flavors are not covered.

Cheese

Cheese in 8 oz or 16 oz packages — two packages may be combined (for example, one 8 oz and one 16 oz equals 24 oz total). Buy the least expensive brand within the variety you select. Approved varieties:

• American (yellow only), Cheddar, Colby, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Provolone, or Swiss
• Forms: block, shredded, sliced, or string cheese

Not covered: cheese products, whips, or spreads; cheese containing meat, peppers, pimentos, or seeds; cubed, grated, crumbled, curd, or shaped forms; deli-department sliced cheese; fresh mozzarella; goat, farmer, or soy cheese; imported cheese; individually wrapped slices (singles); processed cheese foods such as Velveeta; raw milk cheese; or smoked cheese.

Yogurt

Yogurt available if listed on your WIC benefit, in a 32 oz container, two 16 oz packs (32 oz total), or a 4 oz 4-pack (32 oz total). Fat content varies by participant:

• Children 1 year old: whole milk or whole fat yogurt
• Children 2 years and older, and women: low fat or nonfat yogurt

Plain, Greek, and flavored varieties are all allowed. Not covered: French style or soy yogurt; yogurt with artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharine, or sucralose); fruit on the bottom varieties; yogurt with separate mix-in items such as candy, granola, or nuts; and yogurt in bottles (drinkable), tubes, or pouches.

Eggs

White eggs only, any size, in dozen containers. Buy the least expensive brand. Not covered: brown eggs, cage-free or free-range eggs, fertile eggs, and eggs with added omega-3 or vitamins and minerals — including Eggland's Best.

Cereal

Arkansas WIC covers both cold and hot cereal. Any combination of approved cereals may be purchased as long as the total ounces do not exceed the amount on your WIC benefit. Not all brands are stocked at every store.

Cold cereal — 12 to 36 oz packages only:

• General Mills: Chex (Corn, Rice, Wheat, Blueberry, or Cinnamon); Cheerios (Multigrain or Plain); Total Whole Grain Wheat; Kix (Berry, Honey, or Plain)
• Kellogg's: Corn Flakes; Frosted Mini Wheats Original (Bite Size or Little Bites); Rice Krispies (Original); Special K (Banana, Honey Almond, Original, or Original Multi-Grain)
• Post: Grape-Nut Flakes; Grape-Nuts; Honey Bunches of Oats (Honey Roasted, Vanilla, or with Almonds)
• Quaker: Life (Original); Oatmeal Squares (Hint of Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Golden Maple, or Honey Nut)
• Mom's (Malt-O-Meal): Crispy Rice; Mini Spooners (Frosted or Strawberry Cream); Oat Blenders (with Honey or with Almonds)

Hot cereal — 11.8 to 36 oz packages only:

• B & G Foods: Cream of Wheat Original (Instant, 1-minute, or 2½ minute); Cream of Wheat Whole Grain 2½ minute; Cream of Rice
• Mom's (Malt-O-Meal): Quick Cooking Hot Wheat Cereal (Original, Chocolate, or Coco Wheats)
• Jim Dandy: Quick or Original Grits
• Quaker: Instant Oatmeal (Original flavor only — individual packets); Instant Grits (Original flavor only — individual packets, quick, or regular)

Note: Quaker individual packets of instant oatmeal count as a cereal choice, not a whole grain choice.

Whole Grains

Whole grain choices are Brown Rice, Oats, Pasta, Whole Wheat or Corn Tortillas, and Whole Wheat or Whole Grain Breads. Any combination of these items may be purchased as long as the total does not exceed the ounces or pounds on your benefit. Oats count as a whole grain choice — they are not counted against your cereal benefit.

Bread — 16 to 24 oz package, any brand: Must be 100% Whole Wheat or 100% Whole Grain. Not covered: bakery bread; bagels, buns, rolls, or English muffins; refrigerated or frozen bread; white whole grain bread.

Tortillas — 8 to 32 oz package, any brand: Yellow or white corn tortillas, or 100% whole wheat tortillas. Not covered: herb or flavored tortillas, or tortilla wraps.

Pasta — 8 to 32 oz package, any brand: Must be 100% Whole Wheat or 100% Whole Grain. Not covered: pasta with added sugar, fat, oil, salt, or seasoning; pasta made from rice, quinoa, flax, corn, or vegetables.

Oats — 16 to 32 oz package, any brand: Quick or Old Fashioned varieties. This is a whole grain choice, not a cereal choice.

Brown Rice — 14 to 16 oz (1 lb) or 28 to 32 oz (2 lbs), any brand: Plain dry brown rice; regular, instant, quick, or boil-in-bag. Not covered: rice with added beans, herbs, or seasonings; bulk or tub packaging; microwavable pouches; flavored rice, rice mixes, or wild rice; frozen brown rice.

Juice

Must be 100% fruit juice, or 100% tomato or vegetable juice. Added calcium is permitted. Buy the least expensive brand. Not covered: added sugars or fiber, fruit-and-vegetable blends, glass bottles, infant or baby juices, juice cocktails, and flavored fruit juice drinks or sports drinks.

Container sizes differ by participant:

• Children: 64 oz single-strength 100% juice in plastic bottles or cartons; shelf-stable or refrigerated. Any combination of flavors.
• Women: Any combination of flavors within 11 to 12 oz frozen concentrate, 46 to 48 oz cans, or 46 to 48 oz plastic bottles.

Fruits and Vegetables

A monthly cash value benefit covers fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables. You may spend more than the benefit amount and pay the difference yourself. Any brand, variety, or size is eligible unless excluded below.

Fresh and frozen: Any brand, variety, or size — including salad mixtures and produce that is whole, cut, bagged, or packaged. Not covered: items with added fats, oils, sugars, syrups, artificial sweeteners, meats, pasta, rice, or other grains; fresh or dried herbs and spices (such as cilantro, mint, or parsley); fruit baskets or party trays with dressings or dips; nuts and dried fruits; ornamental or decorative produce (chili peppers on a string, gourds, painted pumpkins); salad kits with dressing; or items with breading, creams, sauces, or special seasoning.

Canned, glass jars, and plastic containers: Canned fruit must contain only fruit and be packed in water or fruit juice (individual fruit cups are allowed). Canned vegetables must contain only vegetables and may include salt or added herbs, seasonings, or spices. Also covered: applesauce with no sugar added (including applesauce-fruit blends with no sugar added); tomato sauce, tomato paste, whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes; and canned green peas, green beans, wax beans, snap beans, and snap peas. Not covered: items with added fats, oils, sugars, syrups, sweeteners, meats, pasta, rice, or grains; fruit with added sugar or salt; mixed vegetables with legumes or beans; pickled vegetables (pickles, olives, sauerkraut, banana peppers); creamed vegetables (creamed corn, creamed spinach); salsa; or ketchup.

Canned protein beans — such as black, kidney, or pinto beans — are a separate legumes choice and are not deducted from your fruit and vegetable benefit.

Legumes — Dried and Canned Beans

The legumes benefit is interchangeable: you may use it for dry beans, canned beans, or peanut butter in any combination up to your benefit amount.

Dry beans — 16 oz or 32 oz bag, any brand: Any beans, plain dry unseasoned mature legumes. Not covered: flavored beans or beans with seasoning packets; mixed beans; snap beans; sweet peas; wax beans; or yellow beans.

Canned beans — 14 to 16 oz can, any brand: Any beans, with or without added salt. Buy the least expensive brand within the variety selected. Not covered: baked beans; chili beans; green beans; green or sweet peas; pigeon peas; snap beans; wax beans; yellow beans; or beans that are seasoned, flavored, or contain added meat.

Peanut Butter

One 16 to 18 oz jar, any brand. Smooth, creamy, crunchy, or extra crunchy. Regular, reduced-fat, and natural varieties are all approved. Not covered: other nut butters; peanut spread; peanut butter with added DHA or Omega-3; and combination or whipped products mixed with chocolate, honey, jelly, marshmallow, or other flavorings.

Canned Fish

Canned fish is provided for fully breastfeeding women only. Any brand, canned or pouched, in water or oil. Products may contain bones and skin. Any combination of the following fish types may be purchased as long as the total does not exceed the ounces on your benefit:

• Chunk Light Tuna
• Mackerel
• Pink Salmon
• Sardines (any flavor)

Not covered: albacore or smoked tuna; breast of tuna; lunch packs or kits; tuna spread; tuna with herbs, flavors, seasoning, or fillers; blueback, chum, red, or flavored salmon; prime or smoked salmon fillets.

Infant Formula

WIC-approved infant formula is provided for eligible infants who are not fully breastfed. The specific brand, type, and amount will be listed on your WIC benefit — no exchanges or substitutions are allowed. Low-iron formula and any brand not listed on your benefit are not covered. Special medical formulas require physician documentation.

Infant Cereal

For infants 6 through 11 months. Dry infant cereal in 8 oz or 16 oz containers — two containers may be combined (8 oz + 16 oz = 24 oz). Regular or Organic. Stage 1 or 2. Grain types: Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, MultiGrain, or Whole Wheat. Not covered: cereal with added fruit, formula, or DHA/ARA; high-protein cereal; or other added ingredients.

Infant Fruits and Vegetables

For infants 6 through 11 months. These brands only: Beech-Nut, Earth's Best, Gerber, and Tippy Toes (by TopCare). Stage 2 or 2nd foods in 4 oz containers (an 8 oz container counts as two 4 oz containers). Glass jars or plastic tubs, sold as singles or packs. Regular, Natural, or Organic. Any variety of single fruit or vegetable, and any variety of mixed fruits or vegetables, are covered. Variety packs with 4 oz containers are also covered.

Not covered: products with added cereal, flour, or starches; added meat, sugar, salt, or DHA; desserts (juice and fruit blends, pudding, or cobbler); dinners; squeeze pouches; or yogurt blends.

Infant Meats

For exclusively breastfed infants 6 through 11 months who are not receiving formula from WIC. Glass jars only, 2.5 oz containers. Stage 1 or 2. Regular or Organic. Single meat varieties with broth or gravy. Variety packs with 2.5 oz containers are covered.

Not covered: products with added sugar, salt, or DHA; products with added fruit, vegetables, rice, or pasta (dinners, casseroles, soups, or stews); or meat sticks.