Minnesota WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Minnesota WIC Agency Contact
About the Minnesota WIC Program
Ready to apply for Minnesota WIC?
Apply online at www.health.state.mn.us → or call 1-800-942-4030 to get started.
Minnesota WIC is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and reaches families across all 87 Minnesota counties through a statewide network of local WIC clinics. The program serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age five, providing nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to other health and social services.
To find your nearest clinic, call 1-800-WIC-4030 (1-800-942-4030) or use the Minnesota WIC Agency Directory at health.state.mn.us. You can also apply online at health.state.mn.us/wicapply.
A Unique Pathway for Families Just Over the Income Limit
Minnesota has a Presumptive Income Eligibility pathway that most other states do not offer. Families whose income is above the standard 185% FPL WIC limit but below 275% FPL can still receive WIC benefits for up to three months — as long as they are willing to apply for a Minnesota Health Care Program (such as Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare). After three months, proof of current eligibility or a pending application for a Minnesota Health Care Program is required to continue. This pathway keeps families enrolled during the application process rather than leaving them without benefits while they wait.
Minnesota's State-Specific Program Names for Automatic Eligibility
Minnesota uses its own names for several public assistance programs. If anyone in your household participates in Medical Assistance (MA) — Minnesota's Medicaid — MinnesotaCare — Minnesota's Basic Health Program — or MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) — Minnesota's TANF cash assistance — you are automatically income-eligible for WIC. The same applies to SNAP, Head Start, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), and Free or Reduced-Price School Lunches.
The My Minnesota WIC App
Minnesota has its own state-branded mobile app — My Minnesota WIC — available free for iPhone (iOS 16.0 and higher) and Android (version 6.0 and higher) on the App Store and Google Play. The app lets participants instantly check whether a food item is WIC-allowed by scanning the barcode, find nearby WIC-authorized stores, check benefit balances, and receive appointment reminders. The app's messages and resources are available in English, Spanish, and Somali — reflecting Minnesota's large and established Somali-American community.
Phone and Video Appointments Available
Many Minnesota WIC clinics offer phone and video appointments in addition to in-person visits. If an in-person appointment is not possible, contact your local WIC clinic to ask about alternative options. MDH encourages families to reach out rather than miss appointments.
Language Access
Minnesota WIC provides eligibility information and outreach materials in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen, Pashto, and Vietnamese — reflecting the state's diverse communities. Free language assistance is available at all WIC clinics upon request. If you have difficulty communicating because you do not speak English or have a disability, call 1-800-942-4030 and your clinic can arrange assistance.
Minnesota WIC and Tribal Nations
Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized tribes, including the White Earth Nation, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and four additional tribal nations. Tribal members are eligible for WIC and may be served through county and state WIC clinics throughout Minnesota, as well as through tribal health departments and tribal-affiliated WIC providers where available.
Some tribal households participate in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) as an alternative to SNAP. FDPIR is not a substitute for WIC — families may receive both programs simultaneously. Tribal members should contact their tribal health department or call 1-800-942-4030 to find WIC services in their area.
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 — Minnesota WIC
Minnesota 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). | ||
A pregnant woman counts as two people when calculating household size — herself and the unborn child.
Automatic Income Eligibility — Minnesota's Program Names
If anyone in your household currently participates in any of the following programs, your entire household is automatically income-eligible for WIC. Minnesota uses state-specific names for several of these:
- Medical Assistance (MA) — Minnesota's Medicaid program. Note: if a household member receives SSI or Medical Assistance–TEFRA, only that individual is automatically eligible, not the entire household.
- MinnesotaCare — Minnesota's Basic Health Program for households with incomes up to 200% FPL
- MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) — Minnesota's name for TANF cash assistance
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)
- Head Start enrollment
- Energy Assistance Program (EAP) — also known as Fuel Assistance (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program / LIHEAP)
- Free or Reduced-Price School Lunches
Bring your current benefit letter, enrollment card, or program documentation to your WIC appointment. That documentation replaces the need for pay stubs or other income records.
Minnesota has 11 federally recognized tribes. Tribal members who participate in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) should contact their local WIC office about adjunctive eligibility options.
Minnesota's Unique Presumptive Income Eligibility
Minnesota offers a pathway that most states do not. If your household income is above 185% FPL but below 275% FPL, and your household includes a pregnant woman, a recent mother, or a child under 5, you may be presumptively income eligible for WIC — provided you are willing to apply for a Minnesota Health Care Program such as Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
Presumptively eligible families receive WIC benefits for up to three months. After three months, you must provide proof of current enrollment or a pending application for a Minnesota Health Care Program to continue. This pathway ensures families are not left without benefits while they navigate the health care program application process.
Traditional Income Documentation
If your household is not automatically or presumptively eligible, bring documentation of all household income for the prior 30 days — pay stubs, employer statements, Social Security or SSI award letters, unemployment notices, child support records, or the most recent federal tax return for self-employed households. Minnesota WIC uses gross income (before taxes) and requires documentation — self-reporting of income alone is not sufficient.
Minnesota WIC does not require U.S. citizenship. You do not need to be a citizen or legal permanent resident to receive WIC benefits in Minnesota.
Minnesota WIC Approved Foods
Minnesota WIC food benefits are loaded onto an eWIC card and accepted at WIC-authorized grocery stores across the state. Your specific monthly food package depends on your participant category — pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant, or child — and is determined at your certification appointment. Use the My Minnesota WIC app or visit the WIC Grocery Store Search at health.state.mn.us to find authorized stores near you.
Food package updates (June 1, 2026): Minnesota WIC is updating its food package on June 1, 2026. Changes include tuna and salmon for all women and children, an additional fruit and vegetable option in place of juice, more whole grain allowances for women, and fresh, frozen, or canned fruit and vegetables for infants at 6 months. As of April 1, 2026, some yogurt and tofu products are no longer on the WIC food package — check your current shopping list or scan items in the My Minnesota WIC app to confirm what is approved. Visit health.state.mn.us/people/wic/foods/changes.html for full details.
Food Categories
- Dairy: Low-fat milk, cheese, and lactose-free options. Soy-based beverages are available as a milk substitute for eligible participants. As of April 1, 2026, some yogurt products are no longer part of the WIC food package — check your shopping list or the My Minnesota WIC app to confirm currently approved options.
- Eggs: Any color from domestic hens, including whole, liquid pasteurized, and dried egg mixes.
- Whole grains: Iron-fortified hot and cold cereals, whole grain bread, whole grain tortillas, brown rice, oatmeal, and other whole grain options. Minnesota WIC's whole grain benefit is measured in ounces — check your current benefit balance in the My Minnesota WIC app for your exact monthly allowance. Beginning June 1, 2026, women receive more whole grain allowance.
- Fruits and vegetables: A monthly cash value benefit — the amount varies by participant category and is shown on your shopping list — to spend on fresh, frozen, or canned produce without added sugars. The benefit can be used at WIC-authorized grocery stores and participating farmers' markets. Beginning June 1, 2026, women may also choose an additional $3 fruit and vegetable benefit in place of juice.
- Legumes: Dried and canned beans, peas, and lentils. Mature legumes only — green beans, snap beans, and wax beans do not qualify.
- Peanut butter: Creamy or chunky, any brand, regular or reduced fat.
- Tofu: Calcium-set tofu may be available as a protein alternative for eligible participants. As of April 1, 2026, some tofu products are no longer part of the WIC food package — check your shopping list or the My Minnesota WIC app to confirm currently approved options.
- Canned fish: Tuna and salmon are available in eligible food packages. Beginning June 1, 2026, tuna and salmon will be available to all women and children. Check your shopping list to confirm what is included in your specific package.
- Juice: 100% fruit or vegetable juice, vitamin C-enriched, unsweetened only.
- Infant foods: Iron-fortified infant cereal, jarred baby food (fruits, vegetables, and meats), and WIC-approved infant formula. Special medical formulas require documentation of a qualifying medical condition from a healthcare provider. Beginning June 1, 2026, infants 6 months and older may receive fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables in place of some jarred foods.
Using the My Minnesota WIC App to Shop
Download the free My Minnesota WIC app from the App Store or Google Play (search "My Minnesota WIC"). The app lets you scan a product's barcode to instantly see whether it is WIC-allowed, find WIC-authorized stores nearby, check your benefit balance, and receive reminders for scheduled and missed appointments. Once you register your eWIC card in the app, benefit balance information updates automatically. App messages are available in English, Spanish, and Somali.
WIC Card Help
You must set your PIN before shopping with your WIC card for the first time. Call 833-566-5248 to set your PIN. If your WIC card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call the same number or contact your local WIC clinic for a replacement.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Minnesota WIC participants can use their monthly fruit and vegetable benefit at participating farmers' markets in addition to grocery stores. Some local WIC programs also participate in the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides additional seasonal benefits for fresh, locally grown produce. Ask your local WIC clinic about farmers' market options in your area.
