Rhode Island WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Rhode Island WIC Agency Contact
About the Rhode Island WIC Program
Ready to apply for Rhode Island WIC?
Call 1-800-942-7434 to schedule your first appointment, or see the step-by-step application guide →
Rhode Island WIC is administered entirely by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), which operates the program directly through a network of local clinic agencies statewide. Rhode Island WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status, and participation is not considered in public charge determinations. The program explicitly states: "WIC does not ask immigration status and is not a part of Public Charge."
WIC Clinics Across Rhode Island
Rhode Island WIC is operated directly by RIDOH — the state has no county or local health departments, so all WIC policy and clinic oversight flows from a single statewide agency. Use the clinic locator at health.ri.gov/women-infants-and-children or call the RIDOH Health Information Line at (401) 222-5960 to find and schedule at a convenient location. You can also use the WIC Shopper App to find nearby WIC clinics and authorized vendors.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Rhode Island WIC participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), providing eligible participants with $25 in seasonal benefits redeemable at authorized farmers' markets statewide from June through October. Markets are located throughout Rhode Island, including in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cranston, Newport, South Kingstown, Woonsocket, and surrounding communities. The Scalabrini Dukcevich Center (300 Laurel Hill Ave, Providence) and Sankofa Market (275 Elmwood Ave, Providence) are among the FMNP pop-up market locations. Ask your WIC clinic for FMNP details when the seasonal program opens each spring.
Free Hospital-Grade Electric Breast Pumps
Rhode Island WIC supports breastfeeding participants by providing free hospital-grade electric breast pumps when there is a medical necessity or when a participant is returning to work or school. All Rhode Island WIC clinics offer breastfeeding support, peer counseling, and supplies. Ask your WIC clinic about pump availability at your first appointment.
RIDOH Is Rhode Island's Sole Public Health Agency
Rhode Island is unique among U.S. states: RIDOH is the sole public health entity in the state, with no county or local health departments. All WIC policy, quality oversight, and clinical coordination flows directly from RIDOH, enabling consistent program standards across every clinic site statewide.
Narragansett Indian Tribe
The Narragansett Indian Tribe, headquartered in Charlestown, is Rhode Island's sole federally recognized tribal nation. Narragansett tribal members who meet WIC eligibility requirements are welcome to apply at any Rhode Island WIC clinic. Tribal members enrolled in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) should contact their local WIC clinic to discuss eligibility options.
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 — Rhode Island WIC
Rhode Island 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). | ||
Automatic Income Eligibility (Adjunctive Eligibility)
Rhode Island residents enrolled in any of the following programs automatically meet WIC income requirements and do not need to provide separate income documentation at their WIC appointment:
- RIte Care — Rhode Island's Medicaid managed care program for families, children, and pregnant women
- Rhode Island Medicaid — the broader Medicaid program administered by EOHHS
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Rhode Island Works (RIW) — Rhode Island's TANF cash assistance program, administered by the Department of Human Services
Bring proof of enrollment in any qualifying program to your WIC appointment in place of income documentation.
If You Are Not Enrolled in a Qualifying Program
If your household is not enrolled in one of the programs above, bring proof of household income from the past 30 days — such as pay stubs, an employer letter, or a self-statement of income. All household members' income is counted, including wages, self-employment, Social Security, child support, and other regular income sources.
Pregnant Women Count as Two
A pregnant woman counts as at least two members of the household for WIC income purposes — herself and the expected baby. If you are expecting twins or higher-order multiples and your household does not initially meet income guidelines, Rhode Island WIC will reassess eligibility by increasing household size by one for each expected baby. Proof of multiple pregnancy is required.
Income Is Not the Only Requirement
Meeting the income limit is one of three requirements for WIC eligibility. You also must:
- Live in Rhode Island
- Be in a WIC-eligible category (pregnant, recently gave birth or had a pregnancy loss within the past 6 months, breastfeeding up to 12 months postpartum, or have a child under age 5)
- Have a nutritional risk identified by a WIC staff member at your first appointment
Use the USDA WIC Pre-Screening Tool to check whether your household may qualify before scheduling an appointment.
Immigration Status
Rhode Island WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. WIC participation is not considered in the federal public charge determination. The program is available to all eligible Rhode Island residents regardless of immigration background.
Tribal Members Enrolled in FDPIR
Narragansett tribal members enrolled in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) should contact their local Rhode Island WIC clinic to discuss eligibility options. FDPIR and WIC serve different but complementary roles — a WIC staff member can help determine the best path for your family.
Rhode Island WIC Approved Foods
Rhode Island WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized grocery stores and retailers statewide. The WIC Shopper App (free and ad-free) helps you scan barcodes to confirm approved items, check your real-time benefit balance, and locate nearby WIC-authorized stores and clinics. Rhode Island's WIC Food Guide (WIC-7, 2026 edition) is available in English and Spanish — ask your clinic for a copy or download it at health.ri.gov/women-infants-and-children.
Fruits and Vegetables
All participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables — the benefit amount is shown on your WIC Shopping List. Fresh herbs are now an approved fresh produce item. Fresh options include any brand or variety, organic, sold by the piece, pound, or package, and salad or mixed greens in a bag. Do not buy salad bar items, salad kits, party trays, spices, dried fruit, or store-cut fruit and vegetables. Frozen fruits and vegetables (including mixed) are approved; avoid products with added fats, oils, butter, cheese, or sauces. Canned options may be organic, low salt, or low sodium; avoid products in light or heavy syrup, pie filling, cranberry sauce, soups, relishes, olives, pickles, or glass jars.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
In addition to the CVB, eligible participants receive $25 in seasonal FMNP benefits for fresh, locally grown produce at authorized Rhode Island farmers' markets from June through October. Markets participating in 2025 include locations in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cranston, Newport, South Kingstown, Woonsocket, and other communities. Ask your WIC clinic for your FMNP benefit card when the program opens each spring.
Milk
Milk type and size are shown on your WIC Shopping List. Approved varieties include whole milk, 1%, 2%, fat-free or non-fat, powdered, evaporated, goat milk, and lactose-free milk. Do not buy buttermilk, organic, flavored, or unpasteurized milk.
Cheese
Cheese is issued in 16 oz packages. Choose any brand in these approved varieties: American, cheddar, colby, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, muenster, Swiss, and provolone. Pre-packaged regular, low fat, low sodium, or kosher is allowed; sliced, shredded, or block is allowed. Do not buy deli cheese, individually wrapped slices, blends, organic, gourmet, or imported.
Yogurt
Yogurt is issued in 32 oz containers only. Approved fat tiers include whole milk, 1%, fat-free, and non-fat. Do not buy organic or Greek yogurt. Approved brands include LaYogurt Probiotic, Stop&Shop, Bowl & Basket, and other store brands in plain and vanilla flavors.
Soy and Plant-Based Milk
Soy and plant-based milk is a benefit-listed item — buy only if shown on your WIC Shopping List. Approved brands include BetterGoods (Ultra Soy, 32 oz), 8th Continent Soymilk (64 oz, Original), Silk (32, 48, 64, or 96 oz — Original, Unsweetened, Original Protein, Chocolate Protein), and Ripple (Unsweetened Original, Kids Original, Kids Unsweetened Original, Original Shelf Stable).
Eggs
Brown or white Grade A eggs are approved in cartons of 12 or more. Do not buy half dozens or organic.
Peanut Butter, Nut Butter, and Seed Butter
Approved in 16–18 oz jars. Any texture is allowed; low salt and low sodium options are allowed. Do not buy organic. One jar is equivalent to one 1 lb bag of dried beans or four cans of beans in the WIC benefit exchange.
Canned Fish
Canned fish is available to all eligible WIC participants (not restricted to breastfeeding participants):
- Tuna: 5 oz or 12 oz — chunk light only, in water or oil
- Salmon: 5–15 oz — pink only; do not buy added flavors
- Sardines: 3.75 oz — added sauces or flavorings are allowed
Tofu
Tofu is a benefit-listed item — buy only if shown on your WIC Shopping List. Approved in 14–16 oz packages. Approved brands include Azumaya and House Foods. Do not buy gourmet or imported varieties.
Beans, Peas, and Lentils
Dried or canned beans, peas, and lentils are issued in 1 lb bags (dried) or 15–16 oz cans. Low salt and low sodium options are allowed. Do not buy refried beans or products with added seasonings.
100% Juice
Approved in 64 oz shelf-stable bottles. Both fruit and vegetable juices are approved — including apple, grape, cranberry varieties, orange, fruit punch, tomato juice, and vegetable juice. Confirmed brands include Ocean Spray, Welch's, Stop&Shop, Krasdale, V8 (Original, Low Sodium, Spicy Hot), and Campbell's Tomato Juice (Regular or Low Sodium), plus numerous store-brand options. Use the WIC Shopper App to confirm currently approved flavors and brands before shopping.
Whole Grain Bread
Sliced loaves, rolls, or English muffins must be 100% Whole Wheat or 100% Whole Grain. Do not buy organic. Approved options include Arnold, Pepperidge Farm, Nature's Own, and store brands from Stop&Shop, Essential Everyday, Market Basket, and others.
Tortillas, Wraps, and Pita
Tortillas and wraps are issued in 16 oz packages in Whole Wheat or Whole Wheat and Corn varieties. Whole Wheat Pita is approved in 10–16 oz packages. Do not buy organic. Approved brands include Bowl & Basket and Stop&Shop.
Other Whole Grains
Approved in 10–48 oz packages: barley (pearl or pearled), oats (Old-Fashioned, Quick 1-Minute, or Steel Cut Traditional), bulgur wheat, sorghum, millet, farro, yellow cornmeal, brown rice (14–32 oz; box, bag, instant, or boil-in-bag), quinoa (including tri-color), and wild rice blends. Whole wheat or whole grain pasta is approved in 16 oz packages. Approved pasta brands include BetterGoods, Bowl & Basket, ShopRite, and Stop&Shop.
Breakfast Cereals
Approved in 12–36 oz packages. Whole grain (WG) options include Cheerios (Original, Multigrain, Hearty Nut Medley, and Veggie Blends), Chex (Corn, Wheat, Rice, Cinnamon, Blueberry), Kix (Original), Total Whole Grain, Wheaties, Grape-Nuts, Grape-Nuts Flakes, Life (Original, Cinnamon, Mixed Berry, Very Vanilla), Fiber One Honey Clusters, Honey Bunches of Oats (Honey Roasted, Almonds, Vanilla, Cinnamon Bunches, Maple & Pecans), Raisin Bran, Bran Flakes, Frosted Shredded Wheat, and Toasted Oats in store-brand form. Non-whole-grain options include Crispy Rice and Corn Flakes. Hot cereals include Maypo, Cream of Wheat (Instant), and whole grain hot wheat options.
Infant Foods
Infant formula type, brand, and size are shown on your WIC Shopping List. Iron-fortified infant cereals are approved in 8 or 16 oz boxes in Multi-grain, Oatmeal, Rice, and Grits varieties; do not buy products with added fruit, DHA, ARA, or probiotics. Approved brands include Gerber. Jarred infant fruits and vegetables (Stage 2, 4 oz — multipack and pouch options available) are approved for infants 6–12 months. Infant meats (2.5 oz — multipack available) are available for fully breastfed infants 6–12 months only; approved meat brands include Gerber and Beech-Nut Naturals (Stage 1 and Stage 2). Rhode Island WIC holds an infant food contract with Beech-Nut.
Using the WIC Shopper App
The Rhode Island WIC Shopper App is free and ad-free. Use it to scan barcodes at the store to confirm WIC approval, check your eWIC balance before shopping, find authorized WIC vendors and clinics near you, and view your WIC Shopping List. Some Rhode Island stores also use "Rhode Island WIC approved" shelf tags to identify eligible items. Your eWIC card is reusable — keep it safe and away from magnets, cell phones, and heat.
