Delaware WIC Program

About the Delaware WIC Program

Delaware WIC is administered by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health, and serves families across all three Delaware counties — New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. The program provides free nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and community services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Delaware WIC explicitly states that you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC, and WIC participation is not considered in public charge determinations.

Ten Clinics Across Three Counties

Delaware WIC operates ten clinics across the state. All clinics share a unified phone number: (302) 283-7540. For general program questions, call the toll-free line at 1-800-222-2189. Appointments are required at most locations, though some clinics offer walk-in hours — call ahead to confirm.

New Castle County

Email: nccwic@delaware.gov

• Claymont Community Center — 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703
• Hudson State Service Center — 501 Ogletown Rd., Newark, DE 19711
• Northeast State Service Center — 1624 Jessup St., Wilmington, DE 19802
• West End Neighborhood House — 710 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington, DE 19805

Kent County

Email: kentwic@delaware.gov

• Williams State Service Center — 805 River Rd., Dover, DE 19901
• Smyrna State Service Center — 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Ste. 101, Smyrna, DE 19977
• Milford Riverwalk — 253 NE Front St., Milford, DE 19963

Sussex County

Email: sussexwic@delaware.gov

• Georgetown @ La Red — 21444 Carmean Way, Georgetown, DE 19947
• Pyle State Service Center — 34314 Pyle Center Rd., Frankford, DE 19945
• Shipley State Service Center — 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford, DE 19973

WIC Client Portal and Shopping App

Current Delaware WIC participants can manage their benefits through the WIC Client Portal at wicclientportal.dhss.delaware.gov, where they can schedule appointments, check benefit balances, and access program resources. Delaware WIC also offers a WIC Shopping App (available for iOS and Android) that lets participants view their benefits, scan product UPC codes to check WIC eligibility before checkout, and receive appointment reminders.

Breastfeeding Support and Peer Counselors

Delaware WIC maintains a dedicated network of Breastfeeding Peer Counselors — women who have personally breastfed and received training to support other breastfeeding mothers. Peer counselors are available by phone and through WIC clinics statewide. They can answer breastfeeding questions, assist with technique, and connect clients with free breastfeeding supplies available through WIC. Contact your county WIC office at (302) 283-7540 to be connected with a peer counselor.

General Assistance Recipients Are Automatically Eligible

Delaware WIC recognizes the state's General Assistance (GA) program — a state-funded cash assistance program for low-income individuals who do not qualify for federal programs like TANF — as an adjunctive eligibility qualifier. Households enrolled in GA are automatically income-eligible for WIC along with those on Medicaid, SNAP (the Food Supplement Program), and TANF. This ensures that Delaware's most vulnerable residents have a clear path to WIC benefits.

Serving a Multilingual Population

Delaware has seen significant population growth and demographic change, particularly in Sussex County, which has a substantial and growing Spanish-speaking community. Delaware WIC clinics offer bilingual staff and interpretation services. The Georgetown @ La Red clinic in Sussex County specifically serves this community. Participants who need language assistance should contact their county WIC office at (302) 283-7540.

Frequently Asked Questions — Delaware WIC

Delaware WIC Income Limits 2026

Delaware WIC uses the federal income guidelines updated annually by the USDA. To be income-eligible, a household's gross monthly income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level for the household size. The table below reflects current federal guidelines.

Pregnant women count as two household members when determining income eligibility — one for themselves and one for each baby they are carrying. Women expecting twins count as three, and so on.

Automatic Income Eligibility (Adjunctive Eligibility)

Households already enrolled in certain assistance programs are automatically income-eligible for Delaware WIC — no separate income documentation is required at your WIC appointment. Bring proof of enrollment in one of these programs instead:

• Delaware Medicaid — including CHIP (Delaware Healthy Children Program)
• Food Supplement Program (FSP) — Delaware's name for SNAP (food stamps)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• General Assistance (GA) — Delaware's state-funded cash assistance program for low-income individuals who do not qualify for TANF or federal Social Security programs

Immigration and Citizenship

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for Delaware WIC. Non-citizens and individuals without a Social Security number may still be eligible. WIC participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations — applying for or receiving WIC does not affect immigration status or green card applications.

What If I Am Not in Any of These Programs?

If your household is not enrolled in Medicaid, FSP, TANF, or GA, you will need to provide proof of current gross income for all household members who earn income. Acceptable documentation includes recent pay stubs, an employer letter, an unemployment check stub, or other official income records. Final eligibility is determined by Delaware WIC staff at your certification appointment.

Delaware WIC Approved Foods

Delaware WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card, redeemable at authorized grocery stores statewide. The card contains a prescription for specific foods selected for each participant's nutritional needs, with amounts loaded per benefit period. Participants can use their eWIC card at any Delaware WIC authorized retailer — the point-of-sale system determines eligibility at checkout. Current participants can check their benefit balance and manage appointments through the WIC Client Portal at wicclientportal.dhss.delaware.gov. Delaware WIC also participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides eligible participants with seasonal vouchers to purchase fresh produce at authorized local farmers' markets.

Fruits and Vegetables (Cash Value Benefit)

All participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) — the amount is shown on your eWIC benefit — for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables only. Delaware WIC's CVB covers fresh produce exclusively; frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are not covered under this benefit.

Eligible purchases with the CVB include:

• Any variety of fresh or bulk fruits and vegetables
• Bagged fruit; bagged or loose vegetables
• Bagged salad mixes (no added dressing, croutons, nuts, or meat)
• Tubs of cut fruit or vegetables (no dressing or dip added)
• Organic fresh produce

Cannot buy with the CVB: frozen fruit or vegetables, canned fruit or vegetables, dried fruit or vegetables, fresh herbs (such as basil, cilantro, or parsley), fresh spices (such as vanilla bean or cinnamon sticks), or packaged fruit cups (such as Del Monte or Dole).

Whole Grains

All whole grain items are store brand or store designated brand, 1 lb. (16 oz.) packages. Whole wheat flour must be listed as the first ingredient in bread. Delaware WIC approves four whole grain categories: bread, pasta, brown rice, and tortillas.

• 100% Whole Wheat Bread — store brand, 1 lb. package
• 100% Whole Wheat Pasta — store brand, 1 lb. package
• 100% Whole Grain Brown Rice — store brand, 1 lb. package

Tortillas

100% whole wheat or corn tortillas, 1 lb. (16 oz.) package. The following brands are approved — some carry only whole wheat, only corn, or both varieties:

• Bowl & Basket — 100% Whole Wheat
• Chi-Chi's — 100% Whole Wheat or Corn
• Don Pancho — 100% Whole Wheat or Corn
• Essential Everyday — 100% Whole Wheat or Corn
• Food Lion — 100% Whole Wheat
• Giant — 100% Whole Wheat or Corn
• Great Value — 100% Whole Wheat
• La Banderita — 100% Whole Wheat or Corn
• Micasa — Whole Wheat
• Mission — 100% Whole Wheat or Corn
• Nature's Promise — Whole Wheat
• Ortega — Whole Wheat
• Shop Rite — 100% Whole Wheat
• Siempre Autentico — Whole Wheat Flour
• Signature Select — 100% Whole Wheat
• Tio Santi — 100% Whole Wheat
• Weis — 100% Whole Wheat

Breakfast Cereals

Only the specific brands and varieties listed below are approved. The point-of-sale system will confirm eligibility at checkout. Cannot buy any brand or variety not listed, or organic cereal.

Cold Cereal — Approved Brands and Varieties

• General Mills: Cheerios, Multi-Grain Cheerios, Berry Berry Kix, Kix, Cinnamon Chex, Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, Total Whole Grain, Wheaties
• Kellogg's: All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes, Corn Flakes, Crispix, Frosted Mini-Wheats Original, Frosted Mini-Wheats Little Bites, Rice Krispies
• Post: Grape-Nuts Original
• Quaker: Life Original, Oatmeal Squares Brown Sugar, Oatmeal Squares Cinnamon

Hot Cereal — Approved Brands and Varieties

• B&G: Cream of Rice (regular), Cream of Rice (packets), Cream of Wheat Original 2½ Minute, Cream of Wheat Original Instant (packets), Cream of Wheat Whole Grain 2½ Minute, Cream of Wheat Whole Grain Instant (packets)
• Quaker: Instant Oatmeal Original (individual serving packages only), Instant Grits Original

Milk

Store brand or store designated brand, in the product type and size listed on your current eWIC benefits. Approved milk types:

• Fresh (not flavored): whole, low fat (1%), or skim
• Lactose reduced: whole, low fat (1%), or skim
• Evaporated milk: whole, low fat (1%), or skim
• UHT (Ultra High Temperature): whole, low fat (1%), or skim — examples include Parmalat and Natrel
• Dry milk

Cannot buy: flavored milk, raw or unpasteurized milk, organic milk, or non-dairy milk alternatives other than the approved soy milk varieties listed below.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is listed as an approved milk option in the Delaware WIC food list. Approved brands:

• 8th Continent — original or vanilla flavor
• Silk — original flavor

Cannot buy soy milk in brands, flavors, or sizes not listed above. Other non-dairy milk substitutes are not covered.

Cheese

Store brand or store designated brand, 8 oz. or 16 oz. (1 lb.) package. Approved cheese types:

• Pasteurized Processed American
• Cheddar — block or shredded
• Mozzarella — block or shredded

Cannot buy: imported cheese, cheese food, cheese product or spread, cheese with added flavors, individually wrapped slices, organic cheese, Velveeta, Cheez Whiz, Kraft Singles, low-fat or low-sodium varieties, grated cheese, cheese sticks, deli-sliced cheese, or variety packs (such as American/Swiss combinations).

Yogurt

32 oz. containers, plain, vanilla, or Greek only. Whole fat, low fat, or nonfat as listed on the food package. Approved brands confirmed by the Delaware WIC food list:

Best Yet, Cabot, Chobani, Dannon, Essential Everyday, Food Lion, Giant, Great Value, LaLa, La Yogurt, Lucerne, Shop Rite, Stonyfield Organic, Weis, Yoplait

Additional approved yogurt options:

• Activia — 4-pack, 4 oz. cups
• Yoplait Go-Gurt — 8 × 2 oz. tubes or 16 × 2 oz. tubes
• Yoplait Kid — 8 × 4 oz. cups

Cannot buy: drinkable yogurts or yogurts with mix-in ingredients such as granola, candy pieces, honey, or nuts.

Eggs

One dozen, large, white only. Store brand or store designated brand. Cannot buy brown eggs, free-range eggs, specialty eggs such as Eggland's Best or EggsPlus, or organic eggs.

Peanut Butter

Store brand or store designated brand, 16–18 oz. jar, creamy or crunchy. Cannot buy: powdered peanut butter, peanut butter spreads, peanut butter with added flavors, fortified peanut butter, natural peanut butter, or organic peanut butter.

Dried Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Store brand or store designated brand, dried only. 1 lb. (16 oz.) bag. All varieties of dried beans, peas, and lentils are approved. Cannot buy: soup mixes, canned beans, or beans mixed with spices or meat. Canned legumes are not a covered WIC item in Delaware.

Canned Fish

Available to exclusively breastfeeding mothers and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers with twins or triplets. Store brand or store designated brand. Approved varieties:

• Chunk Light Tuna — water packed
• Wild Alaska Salmon or Pink Salmon — water packed

Cannot buy: albacore tuna, tuna spreads, other types of salmon, lunch packs, or fish with added flavoring. Sardines are not a covered item in Delaware WIC.

Juice

100% fruit juice only, no sugar added. Available in 64 oz. plastic bottles or frozen concentrate (11.5–12 oz. cans, depending on brand). No organic, DHA-added, or infant juice; no cocktails, juice drinks, or ades; no calcium- or fiber-fortified juice. Delaware WIC does not cover vegetable juice.

64 oz. plastic bottles — approved brands:

• Juicy Juice — any flavor except Harvest Surprise
• Lucky Leaf — Apple
• Musselman's — Apple or Premium Apple
• Old Orchard — any flavor with a green lid
• Seneca — Apple
• White House — Apple

Frozen concentrate — approved brands:

• Essential Everyday — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Food Lion — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Giant — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Great Value — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Old Orchard — 12 oz., any flavor with a green lid
• Seneca — 12 oz., Apple
• Shop Rite — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Signature Select — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Tree Top — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Weis — 12 oz., Apple or Orange
• Welch's — 11.5 oz., any flavor with a yellow band

Infant Formula

Only the brand, type (powder, concentrate, or ready-to-feed), and size prescribed to the WIC participant. No substitutions are allowed. Contact your local Delaware WIC office for returns or exchanges.

Infant Cereal

Approved brands: Gerber and Beech-Nut, in 8 oz. and 16 oz. containers. Approved single-grain varieties: multigrain, rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat. Cannot buy: cereal with added fruit, formula, DHA/ARA, or organic cereal.

Infant Fruits and Vegetables

4 oz. jars, 2nd Foods. Approved contents: single or mixed fruits, single or mixed vegetables, and fruit and veggie blends. Approved brands:

• Gerber 2nd Foods (2-pack)
• Gerber Organic 2nd Foods (4 oz. jar)
• Beech-Nut 2nd Foods (4 oz. jar)
• Beech-Nut Organic 2nd Foods (4 oz. jar)
• Happy Baby 2nd Foods (4 oz. jar)

Cannot buy: desserts, dinners, cobblers, delights, custards, yogurts, medleys, or items with added DHA/ARA, sugar, starch, or salt.

Infant Meats

Gerber 2nd Foods, 2½ oz. containers. Single meats with broth or single meats with gravy. Cannot buy dinners, graduates, sticks, or organic.