Oregon WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Oregon WIC Agency Contact
About the Oregon WIC Program
Ready to apply for Oregon WIC?
Apply online at www.oregon.gov → or call 800-723-3638 to get started.
Oregon WIC is administered by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division and serves tens of thousands of women, infants, and children each year across all 36 Oregon counties — through 30 county health departments, two Native American tribal organizations, one migrant health center, and one Head Start organization.
Many Oregon WIC families are employed. WIC in Oregon is not a program of last resort — it serves a broad cross-section of working families who simply have incomes below 185% of the federal poverty level during a nutritionally critical time.
Oregon Health Plan — The Auto-Eligibility Name to Know
Oregon uses the name Oregon Health Plan (OHP) for its Medicaid program. If you or a household member is fully eligible for Oregon Health Plan, TANF, SNAP, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), your entire household is automatically income-eligible for WIC. You do not need to provide separate income documentation — bring your OHP, TANF, or SNAP enrollment proof to your appointment.
The Farm Direct Nutrition Program
Oregon runs its own state-administered farmers' market benefit program called the Farm Direct Nutrition Program (Farm Direct) — separate from the federal FMNP — which provides WIC families and income-eligible seniors with paper checks called Farm Direct Dollars to spend on locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut edible herbs directly from participating farmers. Checks are valid at farmers' markets and farm stands from June 1 through November 30.
Each Farm Direct check is worth $4, and they cannot be broken for change — plan to spend each check's full value with one or more farmers. Oregon specifically prohibits using Farm Direct Dollars for bananas, oranges, pineapples, or other produce that cannot be locally grown — only Oregon-grown items qualify. Checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by local WIC clinics. Lost or stolen checks cannot be replaced. A searchable directory of authorized farm stands and farmers' markets is at myoregonfarm.farm.
Breastfeeding Support
Oregon WIC's breastfeeding initiation rates among participants are among the highest in the country, per OHA's 2022 Oregon WIC Breastfeeding Data report. The program has made breastfeeding support a central priority, offering access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), breastfeeding peer counselors, and breast pumps for participants returning to work or school.
Racial Equity as a Program Priority
Oregon WIC has explicitly adopted a racial equity strategic plan and conducted a racial equity program assessment, identifying priorities to address disparities experienced by Black, Native, Indigenous, and Communities of Color in Oregon. The program commits to working toward racial equity by addressing institutional and individual racism, acknowledging implicit bias, and prioritizing trauma-informed and culturally responsive clinic practices — a distinction that sets Oregon's program documentation apart from most other states.
Tribal WIC Programs
Oregon has nine federally recognized tribal nations: the Burns Paiute Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and the Klamath Tribes. Two of these tribal nations operate their own Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) WIC programs, which are funded directly through USDA FNS and administered separately from the OHA state program. Tribal members should contact their tribal health department to confirm whether an ITO WIC program serves their community. Tribal members without access to an ITO WIC program may also be eligible through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) as an alternative nutrition resource.
Interest Form and Contact
Oregon has an online interest form at oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthypeoplefamilies/wic where families can request contact from their local WIC clinic. You can also call 211 (toll-free statewide) to be connected to local WIC services.
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 — Oregon WIC
For the 2025–2026 benefit year, a family of 4 must have a gross monthly income at or below $4,957 — or an annual income at or below $59,478 — to meet Oregon WIC's income threshold. These limits are set federally at 185% of the federal poverty level and apply in all states. If you or a household member is enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP), TANF, SNAP, or FDPIR, income documentation is not required — enrollment in those programs automatically makes your household income-eligible for WIC.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is Oregon's Medicaid program. If you or a household member is fully enrolled in OHP, your entire household is automatically income-eligible for WIC — no separate income documentation needed. The same automatic eligibility applies to TANF, SNAP, and FDPIR enrollment. Bring your current OHP card or enrollment documentation to your WIC appointment.
The Farm Direct Nutrition Program is Oregon's state-administered farmers' market benefit program for WIC families (and income-eligible seniors). Eligible WIC participants receive Farm Direct Dollars — paper checks worth $4 each — to spend on fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut edible herbs from participating farmers at authorized farm stands and farmers' markets from June 1 through November 30. Only Oregon-grown produce qualifies; items like bananas, oranges, and pineapples cannot be purchased. Each check must be spent in full — no change is given. Checks are distributed first-come, first-served by local WIC clinics. A searchable map of authorized farm locations is at myoregonfarm.farm.
Oregon WIC's breastfeeding initiation rates among participants are among the highest in the country, per OHA's 2022 Oregon WIC Breastfeeding Data report. Support includes access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), breastfeeding peer counselors, breast pumps for participants returning to work or school, and education resources aligned with evidence-based infant feeding guidelines.
Oregon WIC provides free language assistance in all languages upon request. The Oregon Health Authority's WIC website is available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Hmong, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese, in addition to English. Notify your local WIC clinic of your language preference when scheduling your appointment.
No. Oregon WIC does not require U.S. citizenship or ask about immigration status. Receiving WIC benefits will not affect immigration status and is not subject to the federal public charge rule. Free language assistance is available at all Oregon WIC clinics upon request.
Oregon 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). | ||
How Oregon Counts Pregnant Applicants
Oregon WIC has a specific policy on counting household size for pregnant applicants that differs slightly from some other states. Oregon first determines income eligibility by counting the pregnant person as one household member. If they do not meet eligibility at that size, staff may then count the pregnant person and each unborn baby as additional members — unless the applicant specifically waives that increase. This means you may qualify even if you initially appear over income when counted as a single person.
Automatic Income Eligibility — Oregon's Program Names
If you or a household member is currently fully eligible for any of the following programs, your entire household is automatically income-eligible for WIC — no separate income documentation required:
- Oregon Health Plan (OHP) — Oregon's Medicaid program. Bring your OHP card or enrollment documentation.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
Note that Oregon specifically requires proof of full eligibility for these programs — partial or pending coverage may not qualify. Bring current benefit documentation to your appointment.
Income Documentation if Not Auto-Eligible
If your household does not participate in OHP, TANF, SNAP, or FDPIR, bring documentation of all household income for the prior 30 days — pay stubs, employer letters, Social Security or SSI award letters, unemployment benefit statements, or self-employment tax records. Oregon WIC staff calculate gross income before taxes.
Oregon WIC does not require U.S. citizenship or ask about immigration status. Receiving WIC benefits will not affect immigration status and is not subject to the federal public charge rule.
Oregon WIC Approved Foods
Oregon WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card accepted at WIC-authorized grocery stores throughout all 36 Oregon counties. Your specific food package depends on your participant category — pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant, or child — and is determined by a WIC-certified professional at your certification appointment based on a nutritional assessment. Use the free WICShopper app (available on the App Store and Google Play) to scan product barcodes, check eligibility, and view your live benefit balance.
Food Categories
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt. Lactose-free options and soy-based beverages are available for eligible participants.
- Eggs: Any color from domestic hens, whole or liquid pasteurized.
- Whole grains: Iron-fortified hot and cold cereals, 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain tortillas (corn or whole wheat), whole wheat pasta, and other whole grain options following the 2024 USDA food package update.
- Fruits and vegetables: A monthly cash value benefit loaded to your eWIC card — the amount shown on your benefit card — for fresh, frozen, and canned produce without added sugars.
- Legumes: Dried and canned beans, peas, and lentils. Mature legumes only.
- Peanut butter: Creamy or chunky, any brand, regular or reduced fat.
- Tofu: Calcium-set tofu is available as a protein alternative for eligible participants.
- Canned fish: Available in food packages for breastfeeding women and children ages 2 through 5, following the October 2025 federal WIC food package update.
- 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 a completed WIC Medical Documentation Form from a healthcare provider — contact your local WIC clinic or visit the OHA WIC website for the current form.
Farm Direct Nutrition Program
Oregon WIC operates its own state-administered farmers' market benefit program — the Farm Direct Nutrition Program — that is separate from and in addition to your regular monthly eWIC benefits. Eligible WIC participants receive Farm Direct Dollars (paper checks worth $4 each) to spend on fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut edible herbs directly from participating farmers at authorized farm stands and farmers' markets from June 1 through November 30.
Key rules: only Oregon-grown produce qualifies — no bananas, oranges, pineapples, or other non-locally-grown items. Each check must be spent in full — farmers cannot provide change. Checks can be used one at a time or all at once with one or more farmers. Lost or stolen Farm Direct Dollars cannot be replaced. Find authorized farm stands and markets near you at myoregonfarm.farm. Checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by local WIC clinics — ask your clinic about availability for the current season.
WICShopper App
The free WICShopper app is Oregon WIC's recommended shopping tool, highlighted on the OHA legislative resources page as a key participant resource. Download from the App Store or Google Play to scan product barcodes, check your benefit balance by food category, find authorized stores near you, and browse WIC-friendly recipes.
