New Mexico WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
New Mexico WIC Agency Contact
About the New Mexico WIC Program
Ready to apply for New Mexico WIC?
Apply online at www.nmwic.org → or call 1-866-867-3124 to get started.
New Mexico WIC is administered by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 across the state. The program provides free healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community services. New Mexico consistently ranks among the states with the highest WIC eligibility rates in the nation, reflecting the significant need and reach of the program across rural, tribal, and urban communities.
Among the Highest WIC Eligibility Rates in the Nation
According to USDA data on WIC eligibility and coverage rates, New Mexico has one of the highest proportions of WIC-eligible residents of any state. This reflects the state's rates of childhood poverty and the critical role WIC plays in supporting families statewide.
Automatic Referral from SNAP, Medicaid, and NMWorks
New Mexico has implemented an integrated referral system between the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) and the WIC program. When a resident is approved for Centennial Care (Medicaid), SNAP, or NMWorks (TANF), their information is automatically evaluated for WIC categorical eligibility and a referral is sent to the WIC system. A WIC clinic then contacts the individual — no separate WIC application is needed. Native American families may be offered enrollment through a Tribal WIC agency at that point.
Tribal WIC Services
New Mexico is home to 23 federally recognized tribes — 19 Pueblos, three Apache nations (Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache Tribe, and Fort Sill Apache Tribe), and the Navajo Nation — making it one of the most tribally diverse WIC states in the country. Native American families are served both through state WIC clinics and dedicated Tribal-ITO (Indian Tribal Organization) WIC agencies that operate independently of the state program and offer culturally appropriate services.
Verified Tribal WIC agencies serving New Mexico residents include:
- Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council (ENIPC) WIC — Serves the Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, and Tesuque Pueblos. Located in Espanola, NM. Toll-free: 1-800-734-2488.
- Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos (FSIP Inc.) WIC — Serves the Cochiti, Jemez, Sandia, Santa Ana, and Zia Pueblos. Located in Rio Rancho, NM. Website: fsipinc.org/wic.
- Navajo Nation WIC — Serves Navajo Nation members across New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Toll-free: 1-800-307-4231. Website: wic.navajo-nsn.gov.
Additional Tribal WIC agencies may serve other New Mexico pueblos and tribal communities — contact NMDOH WIC or your tribal health department for a referral. The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is also available as an alternative food assistance program, and FDPIR enrollment confers automatic income eligibility for WIC.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
New Mexico WIC participants may receive a seasonal allotment of Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits to purchase locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from authorized farmers' markets, mobile markets, and roadside stands across the state. Only fresh, unprocessed items qualify — dried or powdered chile and processed produce are not eligible. Contact your local WIC clinic for current FMNP benefit amounts and participating market locations.
myWIC App for Participants
New Mexico WIC offers the myWIC app (available on iOS and Android), which allows current participants to manage appointments, view monthly food benefits, and use a shopping guide to identify WIC-approved items at the store. New Mexico WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status — participation in WIC is not considered in public charge determinations under federal immigration law.
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 — New Mexico WIC
New Mexico 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). | ||
New Mexico follows the federal WIC income guidelines, which set eligibility at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). The income limits below are effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and apply statewide.
How Household Size Is Counted
For pregnant women, WIC counts each unborn child as a separate household member. A woman pregnant with one baby counts as two people; twins count as three. This often moves households into a larger size bracket with a higher income limit, making more families eligible than they might expect.
Adjunctive Eligibility in New Mexico
Households already enrolled in certain assistance programs are automatically income-eligible for WIC — no pay stubs or income documentation are required. In New Mexico, those programs are:
- Centennial Care — New Mexico's Medicaid managed care program
- SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- NMWorks — New Mexico's TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash assistance program
- FDPIR — Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Bring proof of enrollment in one of these programs to your WIC appointment in place of income documentation. Income is not re-verified separately.
A Family of Four
For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income for WIC eligibility is $4,957 ($59,478 annually), based on the July 2025–June 2026 federal guidelines. A pregnant woman counts as two household members, so a pregnant woman and one child would be counted as a household of three.
Foster Children and Immigration Status
Foster children qualify for WIC individually, regardless of household income. New Mexico WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. WIC is open to all eligible residents, and participation is not considered in public charge determinations under federal immigration law.
Final Eligibility Determination
Eligibility is confirmed at your WIC clinic appointment, where a health professional will verify income, residency, and nutritional risk. Final eligibility is determined by your New Mexico WIC clinic.
New Mexico WIC Approved Foods
New Mexico WIC participants receive monthly food benefits loaded onto a WIC EBT card, redeemable at authorized grocery stores statewide including Walmart, Smith's, and other participating retailers. The myWIC app includes a shopping guide to help participants identify approved items before checkout. Updated USDA food package rules are now in effect.
Whole Grains — Including Tortillas
New Mexico WIC includes corn tortillas and whole wheat tortillas as approved whole grain options — a culturally significant staple in New Mexico's cuisine. Other approved whole grains include whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, and quinoa. Corn masa flour is also eligible, supporting traditional cooking.
Fruits and Vegetables
All WIC-eligible adults and children receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) — the amount is shown on your benefit card — to purchase any fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables at authorized stores. WIC participants may also receive a seasonal allotment of Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits for fresh local produce from authorized New Mexico farmers' markets.
Dairy and Protein
- Milk and soy beverage
- Cheese (specific approved varieties)
- Eggs
- Peanut butter or dried/canned beans and peas (including pinto beans, black beans, and lentils — staples in New Mexico cooking)
- Canned fish (tuna, salmon) for women and children ages 2 through 4
- Yogurt (low-fat or non-fat for women and children 2 and older; whole milk yogurt for children 1 year old)
Infant Foods
- Infant formula (for formula-fed infants; breastfed infants receive enhanced food packages)
- Iron-fortified infant cereal (for infants 6–12 months)
- Jarred infant fruits and vegetables (or Cash Value Benefit for fresh/frozen produce for infants 6–12 months)
- Jarred infant meat for fully breastfed infants 6–12 months
Cereal
Approved cold and hot cereals must be whole grain, low sugar, and iron-fortified. Use the myWIC app shopping guide to verify approved brands and sizes before shopping.
