North Dakota WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
North Dakota WIC Agency Contact
About the North Dakota WIC Program
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Call 1-800-472-2286 to schedule your first appointment, or see the step-by-step application guide →
North Dakota WIC is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and serves tens of thousands of participants statewide — including pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. The program operates through county health departments and district health units across all 53 counties, as well as through tribal WIC programs on North Dakota's reservations. WIC provides free healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and community services. WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status, and participation is not considered in public charge determinations.
Low WIC Eligibility Rate Reflects State's Economic Profile
North Dakota consistently ranks lowest or near lowest among all states for WIC eligibility rate. In 2021, approximately 29 percent of the eligible population qualified based on income — the lowest figure of any state that year — according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service's National- and State-Level Estimates of WIC Eligibility and Program Reach report. North Dakota also held the lowest eligibility rate in 2016, 2017, and 2020. This reflects the state's relatively strong economy, driven by agriculture and the energy sector, which keeps median household incomes higher and poverty rates lower than most states. WIC remains a critical support for the families who do qualify.
In-Person Enrollment Required
North Dakota WIC requires in-person enrollment at a WIC clinic. There is no online application. As stated on the ND HHS website: "Applying at the WIC clinic is the only way to apply, as in-person enrollment is required." Your first appointment takes about 30–45 minutes. If you qualify, you will receive your eWIC food benefits the same day. Find your nearest clinic at hhs.nd.gov/food-programs/WIC/apply or prescreen at signupwic.com.
Domestic Violence and Substance Use Support
North Dakota WIC clinics provide referrals and counseling for participants experiencing domestic abuse and for those dealing with drug and alcohol use. These services reflect WIC's role as a trusted community touchpoint for families facing complex challenges, connecting participants to the broader support network available through ND HHS and local health units.
Breastfeeding Support Including Peer Counselors and Classes
North Dakota WIC offers breastfeeding education and hands-on support at all clinic locations. At select clinics, participants can access breastfeeding peer counselors — other mothers who have breastfed and received training to support new mothers — as well as breastfeeding groups and classes. ND HHS promotes breastfeeding as the optimal way to feed infants and provides resources for working mothers on maintaining milk supply after returning to work.
County and District Health Unit Delivery Model
WIC services are delivered through a network of county health departments and district health units, including First District Health Unit (northwest ND), Fargo-Cass Public Health, and similar entities statewide. This local delivery model means WIC staff are embedded in communities and familiar with local resources for healthcare, childcare, housing, vaccines, and other services to which they can connect families.
Tribal WIC Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota has five federally recognized tribes. Several operate WIC services for their members — either through an Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) WIC program or through the state county and district health unit system.
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe — Operates an ITO WIC program at Fort Yates, ND, serving the North Dakota and South Dakota portions of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians — Operates a tribal WIC clinic in Belcourt, ND, listed in the ND HHS clinic finder.
- Spirit Lake Tribe — WIC services are available through a tribal clinic at Fort Totten, ND, listed in the ND HHS clinic finder.
- Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) — Residents of the Fort Berthold Reservation are served through nearby state WIC clinics in Williams, McKenzie, Mountrail, and McLean counties.
- Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate — Reservation lands are primarily in South Dakota; eligible members in North Dakota may contact the state WIC office for guidance on the nearest clinic.
Households enrolled in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are automatically income-eligible for WIC. Tribal members not served by a tribal WIC clinic may contact any nearby county health department WIC office.
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 — North Dakota WIC
North Dakota residents enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) are automatically income-eligible for WIC. Bring proof of enrollment to your appointment — you will not need to provide separate income documentation. Each applicant must still meet residency, identity, and nutritional risk requirements.
North Dakota consistently ranks at or near the bottom among all states for WIC eligibility rate. In 2021, approximately 29 percent of the eligible population qualified based on income — the lowest figure of any state that year — according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service's National- and State-Level Estimates of WIC Eligibility and Program Reach report. North Dakota also held the lowest rate in 2016, 2017, and 2020. This reflects the state's relatively strong economy, driven by agriculture and the energy sector, which keeps median household incomes higher and poverty rates lower than most states. WIC still plays a critical role for the families who do qualify.
No. North Dakota HHS states that "applying at the WIC clinic is the only way to apply, as in-person enrollment is required." You can prescreen your potential eligibility and find your nearest clinic at signupwic.com, but enrollment must be completed in person at a WIC clinic.
No. North Dakota WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. WIC is open to all eligible residents regardless of immigration background, and participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations.
Yes. North Dakota WIC clinics provide referrals and counseling for participants experiencing domestic abuse and for those dealing with drug and alcohol use. WIC staff can connect you with additional community resources through the ND HHS network. These services are available to all WIC participants.
Effective July 1, 2025, a family of four can earn up to $4,957 per month (approximately $59,478 per year) and still qualify for North Dakota WIC. Income guidelines are updated annually. Families enrolled in North Dakota Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR are automatically income-eligible regardless of their income.
North Dakota 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). | ||
North Dakota follows the federal WIC income guidelines set by USDA, which require household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). These limits are updated annually. The current guidelines are effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
How Household Size Is Counted
Pregnant women count as two people when calculating household size — one for themselves and one for each unborn child. A woman pregnant with twins counts as three. This counting rule applies to determining eligibility for the pregnant woman herself; other household members are counted normally.
Adjunctive Eligibility — Automatic Income Qualification
North Dakota households enrolled in any of the following programs are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation at their appointment:
- Medicaid (North Dakota Medicaid)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as Food Stamps)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) — applicable for tribal households on North Dakota reservations
Bring proof of enrollment in one of these programs to your WIC appointment instead of income documentation. Each WIC applicant must still meet residency, identity, and nutritional risk requirements regardless of adjunctive eligibility. Note that enrollment in ND Medicaid's CHIP program (Healthy Steps) does not constitute adjunctive eligibility for WIC on its own.
Foster Children
Foster children are individually income-eligible for WIC regardless of the foster family's household income. Foster families applying for a foster child should bring documentation of the child's foster status to the WIC appointment.
Immigration Status
North Dakota WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. WIC is open to all eligible residents, and participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations.
Income Limit for a Family of Four
Effective July 1, 2025, a household of four must have gross monthly income at or below $4,957 (approximately $59,478 annually) to qualify for North Dakota WIC. Families enrolled in North Dakota Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR are automatically income-eligible regardless of income. Final eligibility is always determined by your local WIC clinic based on current federal guidelines.
Income Limits FAQ
Effective July 1, 2025, a household of four must have gross monthly income at or below $4,957 (approximately $59,478 per year) to qualify for North Dakota WIC. Income guidelines are updated annually. Families enrolled in North Dakota Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR are automatically income-eligible regardless of their income.
North Dakota residents currently enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) are automatically income-eligible for WIC. Bring proof of enrollment to your WIC appointment — you will not need to provide income documentation separately. Each applicant must still meet residency, identity, and nutritional risk requirements.
A pregnant woman counts as two people — herself and each unborn child — when determining household size for WIC income eligibility. A woman pregnant with twins counts as three. This means households with a pregnant member may qualify at a higher income threshold than the household's actual headcount would suggest.
No. North Dakota WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. WIC is open to all eligible residents regardless of immigration background, and participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations.
North Dakota WIC Approved Foods
North Dakota WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized grocery stores statewide. The WICShopper app helps participants find approved products, check benefit balances, and locate authorized stores. Benefits can be used throughout the month as needed.
Fruits and Vegetables
All participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils. Canned fruits and vegetables are not covered by the CVB in North Dakota — only fresh and frozen items qualify. The amount of your CVB is shown on your Family Food benefit printout, through the WICShopper app, or through the ebtEDGE portal. North Dakota WIC also participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) — ask your local clinic about seasonal vouchers for fresh produce at authorized farmers' markets near you.
Whole Grains
Approved options include 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, soft corn tortillas, and whole wheat tortillas. Iron-fortified cereals (hot and cold) meeting North Dakota WIC specifications are also included. Check the WICShopper app or the North Dakota WIC food list for current approved brands and sizes.
Dairy and Protein
- Milk: whole, low-fat (1%), or non-fat; lactose-free and evaporated options also approved
- Soy milk: approved brands in original flavor (Bettergoods and Silk) are a standard option in the ND food package
- Cheese: approved varieties (American, Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Mozzarella, and others) in 8 oz. or 16 oz. sizes
- Yogurt: low-fat or non-fat in 32 oz. containers; approved brands listed in the food list
- Eggs: one dozen, medium through jumbo; white, brown, and cage-free allowed
- Peanut butter: 16–18 oz. jars, creamy or crunchy; no reduced fat, natural, or organic
- Dried or canned beans, peas, and lentils (any plain variety)
- Canned tuna and salmon for women and children age 2–5 (chunk light tuna and pink salmon in approved sizes)
Infant Foods
- Infant formula for formula-fed infants; breastfed infants receive enhanced food packages
- Iron-fortified infant cereal (rice, oatmeal, or multigrain) for infants 6–12 months
- Jarred baby food fruits and vegetables (single ingredient, Stage 1 or 2) for infants 6–12 months
- Jarred baby food meats (beef, chicken, turkey, or ham) for fully breastfed infants 6–12 months
Juice
100% fruit or vegetable juice in approved brands — 64 oz. plastic containers or 12 oz. frozen concentrate — is available for women and children. No cocktails, lemonade, or refrigerated juice. Use the WICShopper app to verify approved products at the store.
