Georgia WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Georgia WIC Agency Contact
About the Georgia WIC Program
Ready to apply for Georgia WIC?
Apply online at gateway.ga.gov → or call 800-228-9173 to get started.
Georgia WIC is the fifth-largest WIC program in the nation — a distinction that reflects both the state's population size and decades of sustained outreach to low-income families. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) administers the program through local health departments, community health centers, hospitals, military bases, and Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) offices statewide. Over 1,400 authorized vendors participate in Georgia's WIC food delivery system.
Georgia WIC offers a multi-channel approach to services — participants can complete the Georgia Gateway online application, attend virtual appointment options in many districts, and submit documents in advance. The program also provides a Georgia WIC Mobile App for managing benefits, appointments, and account information, available on iOS and Android.
Who Qualifies for WIC in Georgia
Georgia WIC is open to pregnant women, breastfeeding women up to one year postpartum, postpartum women up to six months after delivery, infants, and children under age five. Fathers of children under five who meet income requirements are encouraged to enroll their children — men can receive benefits on behalf of eligible children, attend nutrition classes, and redeem benefits. Low-income parents or guardians who are the sole provider of children under five who are at nutritional risk are also eligible.
If your household is enrolled in Medicaid, TANF, or Food Assistance (SNAP), you automatically meet WIC's income requirement. Bring your enrollment documentation to your appointment. For households not in those programs, the income threshold is 185% of the federal poverty level based on gross income.
What Georgia WIC Provides
Benefits are loaded onto a Georgia eWIC card, redeemable like a debit card at over 1,400 authorized grocery vendors statewide. Georgia's food packages include milk, eggs, bread, cereal, juice, peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, fresh fruits and vegetables, and infant formula. Older children receive fruits and vegetables, cheese, and beans.
Every participant receives a Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fresh fruits and vegetables. In the summer months, Georgia WIC participants can also use their eWIC card at participating local farmers markets — availability varies by health district.
Georgia WIC provides comprehensive breastfeeding support through nutritionists, peer buddies, educational materials, and supplies. Many Georgia district WIC offices have staff who are Certified Lactation Counselors. Breast pumps are available through a loan program at each clinic site at no charge — ask at your first appointment if you plan to breastfeed.
Georgia WIC also makes referrals to dentists, childcare and preschool programs, doctors, and specialty health professionals — a broader referral network than many state WIC programs explicitly offer.
How to Apply for WIC in Georgia
Georgia offers an online application through the Georgia Gateway website (gateway.ga.gov). After completing the application, your county WIC clinic will contact you to schedule a Nutrition Assessment appointment. You can also take the WIC Eligibility Assessment at dph.georgia.gov/wic-eligibility-assessment before applying to check whether you qualify, or call 1-800-228-9173 to speak with Georgia WIC directly.
Some Georgia districts also allow document submission in advance and offer virtual appointment options — check with your local district WIC office for what's available in your county.
Recertification in Georgia
Pregnant women in Georgia can stay on WIC throughout their pregnancy until six weeks postpartum, then transition to the postpartum category. Postpartum non-breastfeeding women can continue for up to six months after delivery. Breastfeeding women can remain on the program for up to one year after delivery as long as they continue to breastfeed. Children must be reassessed for eligibility every six months. Your local WIC clinic will notify you when reassessment is due.
Georgia WIC Across the State
Georgia WIC serves all 159 Georgia counties — from the dense Atlanta metro to rural south Georgia counties with limited healthcare infrastructure. The program has been serving Georgia families for over 30 years. Georgia WIC also participates in online nutrition education through gawiconline.org, allowing participants to complete some nutrition education requirements remotely.
Income at or below 185% FPL. Automatic eligibility with Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.
Monthly food benefits loaded to your WIC EBT card plus nutrition education and breastfeeding support.
Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia WIC
Georgia WIC Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 |
| Each additional person | add $10,175 | add $848 |
| Effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Figures are 185% of the federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (including Guam). Alaska and Hawaii residents see higher income limits. Source: USDA FNS Federal Register notice 2025-03576 (90 FR 11598). | ||
Automatic Income Eligibility in Georgia
If your household is enrolled in any of these programs, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement in Georgia:
- Medicaid
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Food Assistance (SNAP)
Bring your current enrollment documentation to your WIC appointment. You do not need to be on any assistance program to qualify — working families and families with private health insurance can still qualify based on income alone.
What Counts as Income in Georgia
Georgia WIC counts all gross household income before taxes, including wages, self-employment income, Social Security, child support, alimony, unemployment benefits, and pension income. If your income is slightly above the guidelines, Georgia WIC encourages you to visit your local clinic to discuss potential eligibility — staff can review your specific situation.
Income Is Not the Only Requirement
Meeting the income threshold qualifies you on one criterion, but Georgia WIC also requires a nutritional risk determination made at your free Nutrition Assessment appointment. The assessment includes a health screening, medical history, body measurements, and hemoglobin check. Nearly all applicants meet at least one nutritional risk criterion. Use the WIC Eligibility Assessment tool at dph.georgia.gov to pre-screen before applying.
Georgia WIC Approved Foods
Georgia WIC's approved food list is managed by the Georgia Department of Public Health and available at dph.georgia.gov/WIC. Your eWIC card can be used at over 1,400 authorized vendors statewide. The approved food list is reviewed and updated periodically — always check the current list before shopping if you're unsure about a specific item.
Georgia WIC Food Package Overview
Milk and dairy: Georgia WIC provides milk, cheese, and yogurt. If your infant or child has special dietary needs, ask your WIC nutritionist — specialized formula and dairy alternatives are available with medical documentation from a healthcare provider.
Whole grains: Approved options include whole grain bread, cereal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta. Cereal options include both hot and cold varieties meeting WIC nutrition criteria.
Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables are eligible. Every participant receives a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables — contact your local WIC clinic for current benefit amounts. In summer months, Georgia WIC participants can also use their eWIC card at participating local farmers markets — availability varies by health district.
Protein: Peanut butter, beans, and eggs are all approved. Older children's packages include fruits and vegetables, cheese, and beans.
Infant formula: Georgia manages a competitive bid contract for infant formula. The contract brand is issued by default. Medical documentation from a healthcare provider is required for non-contract or specialized formulas. Ask your WIC nutritionist if your infant needs a specialized product.
Baby food and infant cereal: Baby food and infant cereal are available for infants over 6 months. Ask your WIC nutritionist about currently approved infant cereal options.
Georgia WIC Farmers Market Benefits
Georgia WIC participants can use their eWIC card at participating local farmers markets during the summer months in many health districts. Availability varies by district — contact your local WIC office to find out if your district offers farmers market access and when the season runs.
Shopping at Georgia WIC Vendors
Your Georgia eWIC card works at over 1,400 authorized grocery vendors statewide. Benefits do not roll over — use them before the end of each benefit period. If you have questions about your eWIC card or problems using it, call Georgia WIC at 1-800-228-9173.
