Kentucky WIC Program

About the Kentucky WIC Program

Kentucky WIC is administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health and has served all 120 Kentucky counties since 1974. Approximately 100,000 women, infants, and children participate in the program each month, receiving nutritional counseling, breastfeeding support, monthly food benefits, and referrals to health care services. To apply, call your local county health department or the statewide WIC line at (877) 597-0367.

K-TAP — Kentucky's Name for TANF Cash Assistance

Kentucky uses a state-specific name for its cash assistance program: K-TAP (Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program). If your household receives K-TAP, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation. The same automatic eligibility applies to households enrolled in Medicaid (Kentucky's "medical card") and SNAP. Kentucky WIC clinics consistently reference K-TAP alongside Medicaid and SNAP as the three qualifying programs — knowing that name matters when gathering documents for your appointment.

103 Farmers' Markets in 92 Counties

Kentucky WIC has run the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) continuously since 1992 — one of the longer-running state FMNP programs in the country. Each summer, local health departments issue $30 in vouchers to eligible WIC recipients to spend on locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs at approved farmers' markets and farmstands. As of the most recent CHFS figures, 103 farmers' markets in 92 of Kentucky's 120 counties accept WIC FMNP vouchers.

Several Kentucky farmers' markets also participate in the Kentucky Double Dollars (KDD) program, which matches WIC FMNP vouchers dollar-for-dollar at participating locations, effectively doubling the purchasing power of your summer produce benefits. Ask your local WIC office which nearby markets participate in KDD.

WIC on Wheels

The Northern Kentucky Health Department operates a WIC on Wheels mobile unit that travels to community locations — workplaces, neighborhoods, and partner sites — so families who cannot get to a health center clinic can still access WIC enrollment and services. Other health departments across Kentucky also offer off-site WIC services at community locations; contact your local health department to ask what outreach options are available in your area.

Current Food Package

Kentucky's current WIC food package took effect in April 2026. It includes expanded whole grain options and canned fish alongside established categories like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, and infant foods. The WICShopper app — free on the App Store and Google Play — is the fastest way to confirm which specific brands and sizes are currently approved. Select Kentucky as your WIC agency when setting up the app, then register your 16-digit eWIC card number to see your live benefit balance and scan products in the store aisle.

Breastfeeding Support

Kentucky WIC offers breastfeeding peer counselors — mothers who have breastfed their own children and completed specialized training — at many local agencies. Peer counselors are available by phone outside normal business hours to answer questions and offer encouragement. Many local WIC programs also provide access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and breast pumps for mothers returning to work or school.

Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky WIC

Kentucky WIC Income Limits 2026

Pregnant Women Count as Two

If you are pregnant, Kentucky WIC counts you as two household members — yourself and the unborn child. If you are expecting multiples, each additional baby counts separately. This often shifts a household into the next income tier and can make the difference for families near the threshold.

Automatic Income Eligibility — Kentucky's Program Names

If your household participates in any of the following programs, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC. No pay stubs or separate income documentation are required:

• Medicaid — referred to in Kentucky as the "Kentucky medical card." If a pregnant woman or infant in the family receives Medicaid, all WIC-eligible household members qualify automatically.
• K-TAP (Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program) — Kentucky's name for the federal TANF cash assistance program. If a pregnant woman or infant in the family receives K-TAP, all WIC-eligible household members qualify automatically.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)

Bring your current benefit card, award letter, or enrollment documentation for any qualifying program to your WIC appointment. That documentation replaces income verification entirely.

Income Documentation if Not Auto-Eligible

If your household does not participate in Medicaid, K-TAP, or SNAP, bring proof of income for all household members for the prior month — pay stubs, employer letters, Social Security or SSI award letters, unemployment benefit statements, or child support records. Kentucky WIC uses gross income before taxes for all eligibility calculations.

Kentucky WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. Receiving WIC will not affect immigration status and is not included in the federal public charge rule.

Kentucky WIC Approved Foods

Kentucky WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card — which works like a debit card — accepted at WIC-authorized grocery stores across all 120 Kentucky counties. Your specific monthly food package depends on your participant category (pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant, or child) and is determined at your certification appointment. Kentucky's current food package, effective April 2026, includes expanded whole grain options and canned fish alongside established categories. Use the WICShopper app — select Kentucky as your agency and register your 16-digit eWIC card — for the current approved brand and size list.

Dairy — Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese

Milk: The type of milk in your package depends on the participant's age and is shown on your eWIC shopping list. Children under two receive whole milk; children ages two to five and women typically receive low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk. Reduced-fat milk is also available for some packages. Acidophilus, lactose-free, and powdered milk are allowed when shown on the shopping list. No flavored milk, goat's milk, or organic milk. No milk with added plant sterols, DHA, ARA, or Omega 3. Plant-based milk (half-gallon or quart) is limited to 8th Continent or Silk Soy Original and must be listed on your eWIC shopping list.

Yogurt: 32-ounce tub only (or equivalent multipacks totaling 32 oz). Whole-milk yogurt brands include Dannon (Whole Milk Plain and Vanilla), Meijer (Whole Milk Plain), Mountain High (Whole Fat Plain), Kroger (Whole Milk Plain, Vanilla, and Blended Vanilla), and Our Family (Whole Milk Plain). Low-fat and fat-free options include Activia (Low Fat Vanilla, Peach, Strawberry), Coburn Farms (Low Fat Plain), Kroger (Blended Low Fat Plain), Dannon (Nonfat Plain, Low Fat Plain, Low Fat Vanilla), Yoplait (Low Fat Blueberry, Peach, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla, Plain), Great Value (Nonfat Plain, Low Fat Peach, Plain, Strawberry, Mango), Food Lion (Plain Nonfat, Low Fat Vanilla), Meijer (Nonfat Plain, Blended varieties), Lala (Low Fat Plain), Mountain High (Low Fat Plain), and others. No Greek or strained yogurt, no organic, no artificial sweeteners (no Light & Fit or Carb Master), no drinkable yogurt, no mix-in ingredients like granola or honey.

Cheese: Block, crumbled, cubed, sliced, shredded, or string cheese in 8- or 16-ounce packages only. Approved types: Brick, Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Provolone, and Swiss. Low-fat, reduced-fat, and nonfat varieties are allowed. No American cheese, no deli cheese, no processed cheese spreads, no added pepper or herbs, no organic, no added probiotics.

Eggs

Grade A, white eggs in a dozen only. Size may be small, medium, or large — whichever your package authorizes. Cage-free eggs are allowed. No brown eggs, no organic or free-range, no low-cholesterol or antibiotic-free labeling, and no eggs with added Omega 3 or other fatty acids.

Cereal

Any cereal on the approved list, in packages of 10 ounces or larger. Approved brands and varieties include:

• B&G Foods: Cream of Wheat (Instant, 2½-minute, 1-minute), Cream of Wheat Whole Grain, Cream of Rice, Cream of Rice Instant
• General Mills: Cheerios, Multi-Grain Cheerios, Vanilla Spice Cheerios, Veggie Blends Cheerios (Apple Strawberry, Blueberry Banana), Bluey Cereal, Cheerios Ancient Grains, Fiber One Honey Clusters, Wheaties, Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, Strawberry Vanilla Chex, Blueberry Chex, Cinnamon Chex, Kix, Honey Kix, Berry Berry Kix, Total
• Kellogg's: All Bran Complete Wheat Flakes, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Frosted Mini-Wheats (Original, Little Bites, Blueberry, Cinnamon Roll, Golden Honey, Pumpkin Spice, Strawberry), Special K Protein Original, Multigrain Touch of Cinnamon
• Post: Honey Bunches of Oats (Honey Roasted, Vanilla Bunches, Whole Grain Honey Crunch), Grape Nuts Original, Grape Nuts Flakes
• Quaker: Instant Oatmeal Original, Life Original, Life Multigrain Vanilla, Oatmeal Squares (Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Golden Maple, Honey Nuts), Instant Grits Original
• Malt-O-Meal: Crispy Rice, Frosted Mini Spooners, Original Hot Wheat Cereal, Strawberry Frosted Mini-Spooners

Whole Grains — Bread, Pasta, Rice, and Tortillas

Bread, bagels, buns, English muffins, and rolls: 100% whole wheat only, in 12-, 14-, 16-, 20-, or 24-ounce packages. Approved brands include Kroger (100% Whole Wheat, Whole Wheat Bagels), Private Selection (100% Whole Wheat, Whole Wheat Wide Pan), Wonder (100% Whole Wheat, Whole Wheat), Nature's Own (100% Whole Grain, Sugar Free 100% Whole Wheat, Keto Multi-Grain), Kern's (100% Whole Wheat), Pepperidge Farm (Very Thin 100% Whole Wheat, Whole Grain 15 Grains, Whole Grain Honey, Thin Sliced 100% Whole Wheat, Whole Grain Oatbread), Arnold (100% Whole Grain, Sandwich Thins, 100% Whole Wheat, Whole Grain Oatbread), Brownberry (100% Whole Wheat, Sandwich Thins, Whole Grains Whole Wheat, Whole Grains Whole Wheat Small Slice, Whole Grains 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Rolls and Hotdog Buns), Bimbo (100% Whole Wheat), Bunny (Whole Wheat), Thomas' (Whole Wheat Bagels, Light Multi-grain English Muffins, Light Whole Grain English Muffins), Aunt Millie's (Light Whole Grain), Great Value (Whole Wheat), Meijer (Whole Wheat English Muffins), Lewis Bake Shop (Whole Wheat), and others. No white bread, no organic, no additives such as herbs, spices, or cheese.

Pita bread: Whole wheat only, in 11-, 12-, or 14-ounce packages. Approved brands include Joseph's (Whole Wheat Pita Bread), Toufayan Bakeries (Whole Wheat Pita Bread), Kontos (Whole Wheat Pocketless Pita Bread), and Meijer (Whole Wheat Pita Bread).

Pasta: 100% whole wheat pasta, 16-ounce packages only, any brand and any shape (spaghetti, penne, rotini, macaroni/elbows, linguine). No egg noodles, no canned pasta, no gluten-free or brown rice pasta.

Brown rice: Brown, purple, or red rice in 14-, 16-, or 32-ounce packages, any brand. Instant, quick, or regular. No organic, no added flavorings.

Tortillas: Whole wheat or corn tortillas in 16- or 24-ounce packages. Whole wheat brands include Best Choice, Carlita, Celias, Kroger, La Banderita, Mission, Ortega, and others. Corn tortilla brands include Celias, Don Pancho, Food Club, La Banderita, Mission, Guerrero, Kroger, and others. No organic, no added herbs or cheese.

Cornmeal and corn masa flour: 20-, 24-, or 32-ounce packages, any brand. No organic, no added seasonings.

Fruits and Vegetables — Cash Value Benefit

Your monthly fruits and vegetables benefit is a cash value benefit (CVB) — the dollar amount is shown on your eWIC shopping list and varies by participant category. Use it on fresh, frozen, or canned produce without added sugars, fats, or oils.

• Fresh: Any whole or cut fresh fruit or vegetable, including organic and fresh-cut herbs. No party trays, fruit baskets, deli or salad bar items, or produce with added dressings or marinades.
• Frozen: Any brand, variety, or size. No added sugar, syrup, fat, or oil. No French fries, tater tots, or breaded vegetables.
• Canned: Any brand or size, packed in water or natural fruit juice. Unsweetened applesauce is allowed. No added sugar, syrup, artificial sweeteners, meat, pasta, or sauces.

If a fresh produce item does not scan as WIC-eligible at checkout, it may not yet be in the store's system — notify your local WIC clinic so it can be added.

Dried Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Any brand in 16-ounce dried bags or 15- to 16-ounce canned packages. Any plain bean or pea variety qualifies: black, black-eyed, garbanzo, great northern, kidney, lentils, navy, pinto, red, speckled, or mixed. Regular or low-sodium. No added meats, flavorings, sauces, or seasonings. No canned green beans, green peas, or waxed beans — those are not eligible in the beans and peas category (fresh and frozen green vegetables are purchased separately through your cash value benefit).

Peanut Butter

Any brand in 16- to 18-ounce jars only. Chunky, creamy, crunchy, extra crunchy, or natural styles are all allowed. Low-sodium peanut butter is allowed. No reduced-fat peanut butter — only regular-fat styles qualify. No organic, no chocolate or marshmallow varieties, no artificial sweeteners, no added honey or jelly, no tubes or "to-go" containers, no Omega 3 or flaxseed varieties.

Tofu

Available to participants whose eWIC shopping list shows tofu as an authorized item. Packages of 8 ounces or 14 to 16 ounces only. Tofu must be prepared with calcium/magnesium salts. Approved brands include:

• Simple Truth: Organic Extra Firm, Organic Firm
• Nasoya: Extra Firm
• House Foods: Premium Medium Firm, Premium Extra Firm, Premium Firm, Housefoods Regular
• Franklin Farms: Medium Firm, Firm, Extra Firm, Soft, Organic Medium Firm, Organic Firm, Organic Extra Firm, Organic Pressed Firm
• Azumaya: Firm, Extra Firm

No marinated or seasoned tofu, no added fats, sugars, oils, or sodium.

Canned Fish

Canned fish must appear on your eWIC shopping list to purchase. Any brand, packed in water or oil only. Approved types and sizes:

• Pink salmon: 6-ounce and 7.5-ounce cans
• Sardines: 3.75-ounce cans
• Tuna: 5-ounce and 6-ounce cans (light tuna only — no white or albacore tuna)

No organic fish, no foil containers, no added seasonings or flavored varieties.

Juice

100% fruit or vegetable juice only, unsweetened, in the size shown on your eWIC shopping list. Approved sizes and formats:

• Frozen concentrate (12-oz can, makes 48 oz): Any brand grapefruit or orange juice; Seneca apple juice; Old Orchard any flavor.
• Canned or plastic vegetable juice (64 oz): Campbell's Tomato Juice (regular and low sodium), V8 (regular and low sodium).
• Canned or plastic fruit juice (48 or 64 oz): Any brand grapefruit or orange; Seneca or Motts apple; Apple and Eve any flavor; Libby's pineapple; Juicy Juice any flavor; Northland any flavor; Old Orchard 100% Juice any flavor.

Added calcium is allowed. No organic juice. No 46-ounce or 11.5-ounce containers. No cocktails, no V8 Lite, Splash, or Fusion. No DHA, prebiotics, or artificial sweeteners. No juice made with coconut water.

Infant Foods

Infant food benefits depend on whether the infant is fully formula-fed, partially breastfed, or fully breastfed — breastfed infants receive a larger food package. Formula type and size are specified on the eWIC shopping list; medical formulas require physician documentation. Dry infant cereal must be iron-fortified, in 8-ounce packages only, with no added fruit, formula, DHA, or ARA. Infant fruits and vegetables must be plain (no dinners, desserts, or pouches). Infant meat (2.5-ounce jars) must be shown on the shopping list.

WICShopper App

Download the free WICShopper app from the App Store or Google Play. Select Kentucky as your WIC agency and register your 16-digit eWIC card number. The app lets you scan product barcodes in the store aisle to verify WIC eligibility, check your current benefit balance by food category, find WIC-authorized stores near you, browse recipes using WIC foods, and use a produce calculator to estimate the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables against your cash value benefit. It is the most reliable way to confirm which specific brands and sizes are currently approved.

Farmers' Market Vouchers — Summer Benefits

Each summer, eligible Kentucky WIC recipients receive $30 in FMNP vouchers to spend on locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs at approved farmers' markets and farmstands. Vouchers are distributed by local health departments. As of the most recent CHFS figures, 103 farmers' markets in 92 of Kentucky's 120 counties accept WIC FMNP vouchers. At some markets, the Kentucky Double Dollars program matches your FMNP vouchers dollar-for-dollar, doubling your purchasing power. Ask your local WIC office about FMNP distribution dates and Kentucky Double Dollars availability near you.