District of Columbia WIC Program

About the District of Columbia WIC Program

DC WIC is administered by DC Health (the District of Columbia Department of Health) and delivered through four local health care agency partners operating 15 WIC clinic sites across all four quadrants of the city. The program provides free nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and community services for pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. DC WIC explicitly states it does not ask or keep information about visa status or citizenship — all responses are kept confidential — and WIC participation is not considered in public charge determinations.

Four Local Agencies, 15 Clinics Across All Four DC Quadrants

DC WIC is delivered through four healthcare provider partners that sponsor WIC clinic sites throughout the city:

• Children's National Hospital
• Community of Hope
• Mary's Center — serving immigrant and multicultural communities, with Spanish-language services
• Unity Health Care — with clinic locations in Northeast (East of the River, Parkside), Southeast (Anacostia), and Northwest (Upper Cardozo)

Find all 15 clinic locations and hours at dcwic.org/wic-locations.

Pacify — Lactation Consultant Access for Enrolled Participants

DC WIC has partnered with the Pacify app to give enrolled participants access to board-certified and trained lactation consultants via video chat — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no appointment required. This free membership is available to DC WIC participants. Sign up at pacify.com/dc-wic or ask your WIC clinic staff to confirm current availability and help you register.

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

DC WIC participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), providing eligible participants with $30 in seasonal benefits to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at authorized local farmers' markets. FMNP benefits are distributed at DC WIC clinics each season. Ask your WIC clinic staff for current distribution dates and a list of participating markets.

Online Appointment Request and Participant Portal

DC WIC offers an online appointment request through the LINKU DMV platform at dcwic.org/dc-wic-appointment-request. Current and prospective participants can also use the DC WIC Participant Portal at mydcwic.com to confirm contact information, check upcoming appointments, and upload required documents (proof of address, income, identity, and medical information) ahead of their appointment — available in English and Spanish.

DC Healthy Families — DC's Medicaid Program

DC Healthy Families is the District of Columbia's Medicaid managed care program for low-income families, children, and pregnant women. Households enrolled in DC Healthy Families are automatically income-eligible for DC WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation. Many DC WIC participants also receive SNAP or TANF, which also confer automatic WIC income eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions — District of Columbia WIC

District of Columbia WIC Income Limits 2026

DC WIC follows the same federal income guidelines used by all WIC programs. Your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Current income limits are shown in the table at the top of this page and are updated each October.

Pregnant Women Count as Two

If you are pregnant, your unborn child counts as a separate household member for income calculations. A woman pregnant with one baby counts as two people; twins count as three. This often makes pregnant women income-eligible even when they are close to the income limit.

Automatic Income Eligibility

If your household currently participates in any of the following programs, you are automatically income-eligible for DC WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation:

• DC Healthy Families — the District of Columbia's Medicaid managed care program for low-income families, children, and pregnant women
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps)
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• Free or reduced-price school meals — children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program qualify automatically

If you qualify through one of these programs, bring your current benefit notice or card showing your case number to your WIC appointment in place of income documents.

Children in Foster Care

Children in foster care are automatically eligible for WIC regardless of household income. Contact a DC WIC clinic to enroll a child in foster care.

Immigration and Citizenship

DC WIC does not ask about visa status or citizenship, and all responses are kept confidential. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC benefits. WIC participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations.

If You Are Not in an Adjunctive Program

If your household does not participate in any of the programs above, bring proof of income to your WIC appointment — typically your two most recent pay stubs. Other income sources such as self-employment earnings, child support, or unemployment benefits may also be counted. WIC staff can help you determine what documentation to bring.

District of Columbia WIC Approved Foods

DC WIC food benefits are loaded onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized grocery stores and pharmacies throughout the District. New WIC food packages took effect October 1, 2025, expanding options across nearly every food category. The DC WIC Approved Product List is available at dcwic.org/foods-formulas. Use the EzWIC app to scan barcodes in the store and confirm whether a specific item is approved before you buy. Package sizes assigned to your household are listed on your Family Balance Summary — you must purchase the size shown.

Cow's Milk

DC WIC approves pasteurized fluid cow's milk in quarts, half gallons, and gallons. All fat levels are covered — whole milk, reduced-fat, lowfat, and nonfat. Additional options available at the same sizes include lactose-free, lactose-reduced, buttermilk, kefir, and milk with added calcium. Organic cow's milk is allowed for store brands only. You must purchase the package size listed on your Family Balance Summary.

Not approved: flavored milk (chocolate, strawberry, etc.) and milk with added protein (ultra skim).

Goat's Milk, Soy Milk, and Shelf-Stable Milk

Goat's milk — Pasteurized fluid goat's milk in quarts and half gallons; approved brands only. Ask your WIC nutritionist to add goat's milk to your food package. Not approved: powdered or evaporated goat's milk.

Soy milk — Available in quarts and half gallons; approved brands and flavors only. Ask your WIC nutritionist to add soy milk to your food package. Approved size combinations equal to one gallon: two half gallons, or one half gallon plus two quarts, or four quarts.

Shelf-stable milk — Powdered, UHT (ultra-high temperature), and evaporated cow's milk in packages from 5 oz to 64 oz. Approved forms include powdered milk in bags or boxes and evaporated milk in cans or containers, in whole milk, reduced-fat, lowfat, and nonfat varieties. Organic store brands are allowed. Not approved: flavored shelf-stable milk.

Cheese

Cheese is an optional substitute for part of your monthly milk benefit — ask your WIC nutritionist to add it. Approved varieties: American, cheddar, colby, monterey jack, mozzarella, munster, provolone, swiss, and blends of these cheeses. Approved forms include blocks, shredded, cubes, slices, individually wrapped slices, and string cheese. Packages of 8 oz, 16 oz, 24 oz, or 32 oz are accepted. Cheese labeled low-fat, reduced fat, light, or lower sodium is allowed. Organic store brands are approved.

Not approved: cheese with added flavors, nuts, crackers, or peppers; cheese purchased from the deli counter; cream cheese, cheese spreads, or processed cheese products such as Velveeta; and cheese made outside the United States.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an optional substitute for part of your monthly milk benefit — ask your WIC nutritionist to add it. Approved sizes: 16 oz or 32 oz single containers, or 21.2 oz or 48 oz multipacks. Approved types include pasteurized cow's milk yogurt in whole milk, low-fat, or nonfat varieties, as well as Greek and flavored yogurt from approved brands. Organic store brands are allowed. Multipack configurations the DC WIC Food List recognizes: a 4-pack of 4 oz each (16 oz total), an 8-pack of 2 oz each (16 oz total), or a 16-pack of 2 oz each (32 oz total).

Not approved: drinkable yogurts; single-serving individual cups; and yogurts with mix-in ingredients such as granola, honey, sprinkles, candy, or nuts. Only brands on the DC WIC Approved Product List qualify — use the EzWIC app to confirm before purchasing.

Eggs

DC WIC provides fresh chicken eggs in 1-dozen (12-count) cartons. Any egg size is accepted — medium, large, extra-large, or jumbo. Brown or white eggs are equally approved. Cage-free and free-range eggs are allowed, and organic eggs are approved for store brands only.

Not approved: hard-boiled, powdered, or liquid eggs; specialty eggs marketed for low cholesterol or added omega-3; and pasture-raised eggs.

Peanut Butter

DC WIC approves peanut butter in 16 oz to 18 oz jars. Any brand is accepted. Creamy or chunky, regular or reduced fat, salted or unsalted, low-fat, reduced-fat, reduced sodium, and "natural" varieties are all allowed.

Not approved: peanut butter with added jams, jelly, honey, marshmallow, or chocolate; peanut butter with added omega-3; and peanut "spread" products that do not meet the standard of identity for peanut butter.

Nut and Seed Butters

DC WIC added nut and seed butters as a protein option with the October 2025 food package update. Approved products come in 16 oz jars only. Available types:

• Almond butter — approved store brands
• Tahini — limited brand options
• Sunflower seed butter — limited brand options

Not approved: organic nut and seed butters; non-approved brands; and nut or seed butter varieties not listed above. Use the EzWIC app or visit dcwic.org/foods-formulas to find currently approved brands.

Tofu

Tofu can be substituted for the full milk benefit — ask your WIC nutritionist to make this swap. Approved packages: 8 oz, or 14 oz to 16 oz. Any texture is allowed: soft or silken, regular, firm, medium firm, extra firm, and super firm. Not approved: tofu with added fat, sugar, oil, or salt. Use the EzWIC app to confirm approved brands.

Beans and Legumes

Dried beans and lentils — Any brand and type of plain dry beans or lentils in 16 oz, 32 oz, or 48 oz bags. Not approved: soup mixes, beans with flavor packets, or beans with added sauce, meat, fat, or oil.

Canned beans and lentils — 15 oz to 16 oz cans; any brand of beans or lentils. Seasonings and spices are allowed. Refried beans with no added fat or sugar are approved. Full, reduced, or no-sodium varieties are all accepted. Not approved: canned beans with added sauce, meat, fat, or oil; soups or soup mixes; and baked beans.

Note: canned green beans, green peas, snap beans, orange beans, and wax beans do not qualify under the legume benefit — purchase those with your fruits and vegetables benefit instead.

The DC WIC Food List shows a legume equivalency: one protein benefit = one 16–18 oz jar of peanut butter, or one 16 oz bag of dried beans, or four 15–16 oz cans of canned beans (each can counts as 0.25 of the benefit).

Canned Fish

All women and all children receive canned fish as part of their monthly DC WIC food package — with no breastfeeding restriction. Approved species:

• Chunk Light Tuna
• Chub or North Atlantic Mackerel
• Pink Salmon
• Sardines

All sizes of cans, jars, pouches, and multipacks are accepted. Any brand is approved. Fish packed in water or oil is allowed, as is fish with bones or skin, added spices, sauces, or flavorings, and regular or low-sodium varieties.

Not approved: lunch-to-go kits (individual containers packaged with crackers, bowls, or kits); chunk white or solid white (Albacore) tuna; Yellowfin or Tongol tuna; tuna fillets; red, sockeye, or blueback salmon; salmon fillets; Jack Mackerel; and kippered snack sardines or sardine fish steaks.

Bread and Bread Products

DC WIC approves whole grain bread products in packages of 12 oz to 48 oz. Approved types include:

• 100% whole wheat bread, buns, and rolls
• Whole grain breads
• Whole grain bread products — naan, English muffins, pita, and bagels
• Sprouted whole grain breads

Not approved: multigrain breads; breads with added cinnamon, nuts, raisins, fruit, or double fiber.

Tortillas

DC WIC approves soft tortillas only, in packages of 12 oz to 48 oz. Approved types: 100% whole wheat tortillas and corn tortillas. Not approved: white flour tortillas; flavored tortillas (lime, sun-dried tomato, or other flavors); fried tortillas, tortilla chips, hard-shell tortillas, and taco shells.

Whole Oats

Dry, plain whole oats in 12 oz to 48 oz packages. May be old-fashioned, quick-cooking, or instant. Not approved: individual flavor packets (those may be purchased using the cereal benefit instead).

Whole Wheat Pasta

100% whole wheat pasta, dry and plain, in any shape, in packages of 12 oz to 48 oz. Organic whole wheat pasta is allowed for store brands only. Not approved: pasta with added sugars, fats, oils, or salt, and pasta mixtures with meat, cheese, or other added ingredients.

Other Whole Grain Options

DC WIC approves a broad range of whole grain staples in 12 oz to 48 oz packages:

• Brown rice and barley — any brand, regular or organic; bags or boxes; regular, quick-cooking, or instant
• Bulgur
• Cornmeal and corn masa flour — including blue cornmeal
• Freekeh
• Quinoa
• Wild rice

Not approved: any of the above with added seasonings, flavor, sauce, sugar, vegetables, fat, oil, or salt; boil-in-bag or precooked-in-pouch varieties; and rice blends or mixes containing more than one type of grain.

Cereal

DC WIC provides up to 36 oz of approved breakfast cereal per benefit period. Cold cereals come in packages of 9 oz to 36 oz (bagged or boxed). Hot cereals come in packages of 9 oz to 11.8 oz and may be ready-to-eat, instant, or regular. All approved cereals must meet USDA nutrition standards for iron content, whole grain, and limited sugar. Only approved brands qualify — use the EzWIC app to scan a box before you buy. You can combine package sizes to reach your total: for example, one 36 oz box, one 24 oz plus one 12 oz, two 18 oz boxes, or three 12 oz boxes.

Fruits and Vegetables

All participants receive a monthly cash-value benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables. The amount varies by participant category and is shown on your eWIC card each month. Approved forms:

Fresh fruits and vegetables — plain fruits and vegetables in any size, whole, cut, loose, bagged, or in plastic containers. Immature beans — including green beans, lima beans, and succotash — are approved as vegetables. Fresh herbs are approved. Not approved: items with added oils, fats, sugars, or artificial sweeteners; salad bar items, party platters, or fruit baskets; salad kits; items containing nuts, croutons, butter, meats, dips, or dressings; decorative items such as dried chili pepper strings, gourds, or painted pumpkins; spices or edible flower blossoms; baked goods; and juice.

Frozen fruits and vegetables — plain fruits and vegetables in any size and packaging, including immature beans such as green beans, lima beans, and succotash. Not approved: any frozen item with added oils, fats, sugars, or artificial sweeteners.

Canned fruits and vegetables — plain fruits and vegetables in metal cans, glass jars, or plastic jars, in any size. Fruit packed in water or unsweetened fruit juice or concentrate is approved. Immature beans such as green beans, lima beans, and succotash are approved. Not approved: items with added sugars, syrups, or sweeteners; cranberry sauce, pie fillings, canned yams or sweet potatoes; added meat, nuts, rice, or pasta; soups, ketchup, relishes, olives, or other condiments; spaghetti or pizza sauces; pickled or creamed vegetables or vegetables in brine; mature beans (such as black or pinto beans, which belong under the legume benefit); and juice.

Dried fruits and vegetables — plain dried fruits and vegetables in any size. Not approved: items with added oils, fats, sugars, or artificial sweeteners; fruit leathers or roll-ups with added sugar, fats, or oils; and dried fruit or vegetable mixes containing nuts.

Juice

DC WIC approves 100% fruit and/or vegetable juice and juice blends, including blends of the two. Any pulp level is accepted, and juice with added calcium or added fiber is approved. Any brand of 100% orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice is approved. Approved organic juice brands are also accepted.

Approved sizes: frozen concentrate in 11.5 oz, 12 oz, or 16 oz cans; bottled juice in 48 oz or 64 oz containers. Not approved: fresh-squeezed juice; juice in glass bottles; and drinks labeled as fruit cocktail, punch, ade, drink, nectar, pouch, beverage, Hi-C, twister, cider, or cooler — these do not qualify regardless of fruit content.

Infant Formula

DC WIC's standard approved infant formulas are powdered concentrate. You must purchase the exact size and type listed on your infant's Family Balance Summary. Current standard formulas:

• Similac Advance Stage 1 OptiGro — 12.4 oz
• Similac Sensitive Stage 1 OptiGro — 12.5 oz
• Similac Soy Isomil Stage 1 OptiGro — 12.4 oz

Infant formula offerings are subject to change. DC WIC may authorize additional formulas — including medical or specialty formulas — with documentation from a healthcare provider. Ask your WIC nutritionist for details.

Infant Cereal, Fruits, Vegetables, and Meats

DC WIC begins providing infant foods at 6 months, when most babies are developmentally ready to start solids.

Infant cereal — 8 oz packages of plain, dry, unflavored infant cereal. Approved grain types: oatmeal, rice, and multigrain. Not approved: cereal mixed with fruit, yogurt, formula, or DHA; cereal with added sugars or salt; cereal in jars or cans; and toddler cereals.

Infant fruits and vegetables — any stage, in single jars, containers, or multipacks. Textures from strained to diced are accepted. Plain vegetables, plain fruits, and combinations of fruits and vegetables are all allowed. Jars, containers, and pouches are all accepted. Not approved: products with added DHA; toddler foods; products with added meat, rice, yogurt, pasta, or cereal (including granola or oatmeal); products with added sugars, starches, or salt; and dinners, desserts, soups, stews, or mixed-ingredient products. Ask your WIC nutritionist about the option to receive a cash-value benefit instead of jarred infant fruits and vegetables.

Infant meats — provided to fully breastfed infants starting at 6 months. Approved size: 2.5 oz containers. Single meat ingredient products are approved and may be in gravy or broth. Not approved: products with added DHA; added vegetables, fruit, rice, cereal, or pasta; and dinners, meat sticks, soups, or stews.

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

DC WIC participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides eligible participants with $30 in seasonal benefits to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at authorized local farmers' markets. FMNP benefits are distributed at DC WIC clinics each season — ask your clinic for current distribution dates and a list of participating markets.