South Carolina WIC Program

About the South Carolina WIC Program

South Carolina WIC is administered by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) and available across all 46 South Carolina counties. In May 2024, the program reached its highest monthly caseload in seven years — serving 100,540 participants, the first time monthly enrollment had surpassed 100,000 since March 2017, according to a DPH press release. DPH WIC Director Berry Kelly credited the milestone to technology investments that reduced enrollment barriers: a new online pre-application portal, a state-branded WIC mobile app, and an electronic farmers' market payment system.

To apply, call 1-855-472-3432 or start the online pre-application at dph.sc.gov/wic. Appointments can be in-person or over the phone, and many South Carolina WIC locations also offer walk-in hours.

South Carolina's WIC Mobile App

South Carolina WIC has its own state-developed mobile app — the South Carolina WIC App — available on the App Store and Google Play. It lets participants scan product UPC codes in the store aisle to instantly check whether an item is WIC-approved, view upcoming appointments, see issued food benefits, and find WIC-authorized store and clinic locations across the state. DPH specifically cited the app as reducing shopping confusion and making it easier for families to stay enrolled.

Telehealth for Breastfeeding and High-Risk Nutrition Services

South Carolina WIC offers an integrated telehealth platform that delivers breastfeeding education, breastfeeding support, high-risk nutrition assessment, and high-risk care planning via one-on-one video chat, phone calls, text messaging, and document sharing. The platform was designed to reach participants in rural communities where access to in-person WIC services is limited, and to address staffing challenges by allowing qualified staff to serve clients remotely. Phone appointments are available for standard certification visits as well. Call 1-855-472-3432 to discuss appointment options.

Electronic Farmers' Market Benefits via SoliMarket

In 2023, South Carolina WIC transitioned its Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) from paper vouchers to a fully electronic system. Eligible WIC participants now use either the SoliMarket Mobile App or a SoliMarket Shopper Card (with QR code) to purchase fresh, South Carolina grown fruits, vegetables, and cooking herbs at approved farmers' markets and farm stands. The electronic system benefits participating farmers, who receive direct deposit payments rather than waiting for paper voucher processing.

FMNP benefits are issued at select health departments due to limited funding — not all participants in all counties receive them. Contact your local health department or visit dph.sc.gov/wic for the current list of participating counties and issuing sites. All produce purchased must be South Carolina grown.

Walk-In Hours and Phone Appointments

South Carolina WIC offers flexible access. In addition to scheduled appointments, many WIC clinic locations across the state maintain walk-in hours — no appointment needed. Phone appointments are also available. Call 1-855-472-3432 or visit your local health department to confirm walk-in availability in your area.

Tribal Communities and the Catawba Indian Nation

South Carolina has one federally recognized tribe — the Catawba Indian Nation, headquartered in Rock Hill (York County). The Catawba do not operate a separate Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) WIC program. Catawba Nation members who meet WIC eligibility requirements are served through the standard South Carolina DPH WIC program at the nearest participating clinic.

Catawba Nation members who receive benefits through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) may be automatically income-eligible for WIC under federal adjunctive eligibility rules. If you receive FDPIR benefits, bring your current FDPIR documentation to your WIC appointment in place of separate income verification. Call 1-855-472-3432 to confirm how your documentation will be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina WIC

South Carolina WIC Income Limits 2026

Pregnant Women Count as Two

If you are pregnant, South Carolina WIC counts you as two people — yourself and the unborn child. If you are expecting multiples, count each additional baby separately. This increases your household size for income calculation purposes and can shift you into a more favorable income tier.

Automatic Income Eligibility

If your household participates in any of the following programs, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC. No pay stubs or separate income documentation are required:

• Medicaid — South Carolina's Medicaid health coverage program
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families / cash assistance)
• FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) — federal food assistance distributed through tribal agencies, including those serving the Catawba Indian Nation community in South Carolina

Bring your current benefit card, letter, or enrollment documentation to your WIC appointment. That alone satisfies the income eligibility requirement.

Foster children under age 5 and pregnant teens in foster care are automatically income-eligible for WIC regardless of the foster family's income.

Income Documentation if Not Auto-Eligible

If your household does not participate in Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, bring income documentation for all household members covering the prior 30 days. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs, employer letters with gross earnings, Social Security or SSI award letters, unemployment benefit documentation, and child support records. South Carolina WIC uses gross income — before taxes — to assess eligibility.

South Carolina WIC does not require proof of citizenship. Immigration status is not asked about or reported. Receiving WIC benefits will not affect immigration status.

South Carolina WIC Approved Foods

South Carolina WIC food benefits are loaded onto an eWIC card accepted at authorized grocery stores displaying the "SC WIC Accepted Here" sign. Benefits are typically loaded one, two, or three months at a time. Each benefit period has a start and end date — unused benefits do not carry over. Coupons and store loyalty cards can be used alongside your eWIC card to reduce the cost of WIC items. Always swipe your eWIC card before other forms of payment.

There is a per-transaction item limit: small stores can accept up to 32 WIC-approved items per transaction; larger corporate stores can accept up to 50 items. If you are buying more than the limit, split into separate transactions or the transaction will decline.

Use the South Carolina WIC App (available on the App Store and Google Play) to scan product UPC codes in the store aisle, check your benefit balance, and find WIC-authorized stores statewide. Questions about card problems or benefit redemption: call Customer Service at 1-855-279-0679. For register or system errors at the store: call the Vendor Hotline at 1-800-922-4406 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).

Milk

Any brand of pasteurized or ultra-high-temperature (UHT) cow's milk is covered in gallon, half-gallon, or quart containers. The following types are always approved: 1% lowfat (light), nonfat (fat free / skim), and UHT milk. The following are approved only if listed on your eWIC food balance: whole milk, 2% reduced fat milk, lactose-free milk (half-gallon only), and powdered dry milk.

Not allowed: almond milk, filled milk, goat's milk, organic milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, buttermilk, acidophilus milk, or flavored milk.

Cheese

Any brand in 16 oz packages only. Approved forms include block, shredded, sliced, string, sticks, crumbles, cubed, and pearl. Approved flavors: American, Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Provolone, Swiss, and blends of any of these cheeses.

Not allowed: cheese food, cheese product, cheese spread, deli department cheese, specialty cheeses, cracker cuts, or organic cheese.

Yogurt

Up to a total of 32 oz or 64 oz per benefit period, as specified on your eWIC food balance. You can mix and match container sizes (2 oz, 4 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz) to reach your total without going over. Approved styles: nonfat, low fat, whole fat, lite/light, Greek, and Swiss only. Approved flavors: plain, vanilla, French vanilla, and fruit.

Approved brands include: Activia, Activia Light, Activia Fusion, Dannon, Dannon All Naturals, Dannon Creamy Classic, Light & Fit, Mountain High, Oikos, Oikos Triple Zero, Yoplait, Yoplait Kid, Yoplait Go-Gurt Protein, Yoplait Go-Gurt Simply, Two Good, Chobani, LALA, Wallaby Organic, Brown Cow, Stonyfield Organic, Coburn Farms, Essential Everyday, Food Club, Great Value, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Food Lion, Nostimo, Good & Gather, Taste of Inspiration, Our Family, SE Grocers, Natures Promise Organic.

Not allowed: yogurt with honey or similar added ingredients, drinkable yogurts, and mix-ins such as granola, candy, sprinkles, or nuts.

Eggs

Any brand, one dozen only, in medium, large, or extra-large size. White or brown shell eggs are both approved.

Not allowed: liquid eggs, 6-packs or any other package size, cage-free or free-range eggs, grain-fed or vegetarian-fed eggs, or organic eggs.

Peanut Butter

Any brand in a 16 oz or 18 oz container. Approved types include plain, regular, low sodium, reduced fat, creamy, crunchy, chunky, extra chunky, and natural peanut butter.

Not allowed: peanut butter spread, or peanut butter with added omega-3, jelly, honey, or organic labeling.

Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Dried (1 lb bag): Black beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), lima beans, and great northern beans. One 16 oz bag equals 4 cans of beans in benefit value — you may mix and match dried and canned to reach your total. Not allowed: snap beans, yellow beans, wax beans, sweet peas, or organic dried legumes.

Canned (15–16 oz can): Any brand, unflavored, regular or low sodium, single variety only. Not allowed: green peas, green beans, wax or snap beans, soups, chili beans, seasoned beans, refried beans, baked beans, organic canned beans, or canned beans with added meat, fat, oil, or flavors.

Canned Fish

Any brand in cans or packages up to 20 oz. Approved species: light tuna, mackerel (North Atlantic or Chub Pacific only), pink salmon, and sardines. You can combine different sizes — 5 oz, 7.5 oz, 12 oz — to reach the total ounces shown on your food balance.

Not allowed: resealable packages, albacore (white tuna), organic, red salmon, jack mackerel, or fish with added sauces or flavorings.

Tofu

Packages of 14 oz–16 oz, calcium set, organic. Approved brands: Azumaya, Nasoya, Vitasoy, O Organics, House Foods, Franklin Farms, Franklin Farms Organic, Greenwise, Good and Gather Organic, Simple Truth Organic, and Woodstock Organic.

Plant-Based Milk

Half-gallon or quart size containers. Approved brands: 8th Continental Original, Bettergoods Plant-Based Soymilk Original, and Silk Soy Milk Original.

Not allowed: other flavors or organic plant-based milk.

Breakfast Cereals

Hot cereals (up to 36 oz): Any store brand original instant grits and original instant oatmeal are covered. Named brands approved: Cream of Wheat Whole Grain 2 Minute, Quaker Oatmeal Original, Quaker Instant Grits Original, and Cream Rice Instant Gluten Free. You can combine sizes (9 oz, 12 oz, 18 oz, 19 oz, 24 oz, 36 oz) without exceeding your total — note that some combinations won't redeem the full 36 oz.

Dry cereals: South Carolina WIC approves a specific list of brands and varieties. Cereals marked with a whole-grain indicator contain whole grain as the first ingredient. Approved brands and varieties include:

General Mills: Multi-Grain Cheerios Gluten Free, Original Cheerios Gluten Free, Cheerios Veggie Blends Blueberry Banana, Cheerios Veggie Blends Apple Strawberry, Maple Cinnamon Cheerios Hearty Nut Medley, Original Kix, Honey Kix, Corn Chex Gluten Free, Rice Chex Gluten Free, Blueberry Chex Gluten Free, Wheat Chex, Sesame Street 123 Berry Numbers, Sesame Street C is for Cinnamon, Total Whole Grain Flakes, Wheaties, Wheaties Protein Maple Almond, Wheaties Protein Honey Pecan, Fiber One Honey Clusters.

Post: Bran Flakes, Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch, Great Grains Crunchy Pecan, Great Grains Raisins Dates & Pecans, Great Grains Cranberry Almond Crunch, Great Grains Red Berry Almond Crunch, Grape-Nuts, Grape-Nuts Flakes, Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted, Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds, Honey Bunches of Oats with Vanilla Bunches, Honey Bunches of Oats with Maple & Pecans, Honey Bunches of Oats with Cinnamon Bunches, Honey Bunches of Oats with Strawberries, Raisin Bran.

Kellogg's: Frosted Mini Wheats Original, Frosted Mini Wheats Cocoa, Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites Original, Frosted Mini Wheats Golden Honey, Frosted Mini Wheats Pumpkin Pie Spice, Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites Chocolate, Frosted Mini Wheats Blueberry Muffin, Frosted Mini Wheats Strawberry, Frosted Mini Wheats Cinnamon Roll, Original Special K, Special K Protein Multigrain, Special K Cinnamon and Pecan, All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes, Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran.

Kashi: Organic Honey Toasted, Organic Warm Cinnamon, Organic Blueberry Clusters, Organic Cocoa Clusters. Grain Berry: Original Toasted Oats, Cinnamon Toasted Oats, Multi-Bran Flakes, Cinnamon Frosted Shredded Wheat. Malt-O-Meal: Raisin Bran, Strawberry Cream Mini Spooners, Frosted Mini Spooners. Quaker: Life Multigrain Original, Life Multigrain Vanilla, Life Multigrain Strawberry, Oatmeal Squares Brown Sugar, Oatmeal Squares Cinnamon, Oatmeal Squares Honey Nut.

Any brand: Corn Flakes, Frosted or Unfrosted Shredded Wheat, Tasteeos, Toasted Oats, Oats & More with Almonds or Honey Cluster, Bran Flakes, and Oat Squares.

Whole Grains

Whole wheat bread, buns, and bagels (up to 24 oz): Thomas, Pepperidge Farm, Sara Lee, Nature's Own, Wonder Bread, Healthy Life, Lewis, and Arnold. Store-brand 100% whole wheat also approved from: Essential Everyday, Food Lion, IGA, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Our Family, Grissom's Mill, Home Pride, Lowes Foods, Shoppers Value, Market Pantry, and Private Selection. Not allowed: rolls or English muffins.

Tortillas (up to 24 oz) — corn and whole wheat only: Mission (100% Whole Wheat, Small Fajita, Soft Taco, Yellow Corn, Extra Thin), La Banderita (Whole Wheat, Fajita, Soft Taco, Corn, Corn Grande), Celia's (Whole Wheat, Corn White and Yellow), Mi Casa Whole Wheat, Ortega Whole Wheat, La Burrita Corn Tortillas, Don Pancho (Whole Wheat, White Corn), Chi-Chi's (Whole Wheat, Fajita Style, White Corn Taco Style). Store-brand whole wheat tortillas also approved from: Essential Everyday, Food Lion, Food Club, Great Value, Hy-Top, IGA, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Our Family, Tio Santi, and Shoppers Value. Not allowed: white or flour tortillas, organic.

Whole wheat pasta (up to 24 oz, 100% whole grain): Barilla Whole Grain, Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat, Ronzoni Healthy Harvest. Store brands approved from: Kroger, Lowes, HT Trader, ShurFine or Piggly Wiggly, Great Value, Essential Everyday, Our Family, Food Lion, and Food Club. Not allowed: organic or flavored pasta.

Whole grains — rice and other (up to 24 oz, any brand): Long grain regular-cooking, instant, boil-in-bag, brown rice, wild rice, red rice, and quinoa. Not allowed: white rice or organic.

100% Juice

64 oz plastic containers of 100% juice only (no glass bottles, no added sugars). Must be labeled at least 80% Vitamin C (72 milligrams). Pasteurized, calcium-fortified, and from-concentrate options are all allowed. Single fruit, single vegetable, and juice blends are approved — examples include orange, apple, pineapple, tomato, cranberry-apple, cranberry-grape, and apple mango. Vegetable juice may be regular or low sodium.

Approved brands: Apple & Eve (Apple, Naturally Cranberry, Cranberry Raspberry, Cherries and Berries, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Apple, Cranberry Grape, Mango Strawberry, Cranberry Juice, Sesame Street varieties), Campbell's (Tomato, Low Sodium Tomato), Langers (Apple, Red Grape, White Grape, Grape, Pineapple, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Vegetable, Tomato, Apple Orange Pineapple, Pineapple Orange, Low Sodium Vegetable, and many blends), Libby's (Pineapple), Juicy Juice (all 100% juice varieties), Mott's (Apple, White Grape, Apple Cherry, Apple Mango, Fruit Punch, Pineapple Passion Fruit, Strawberry Kiwi), Northland (all 100% cranberry blends), Ocean Spray (Apple Concord Grape, Cranberry, Cranberry Blackberry, Cranberry Cherry, Cranberry Concord Grape, Cranberry Elderberry, Cranberry Mango, Cranberry Pineapple, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Raspberry, Cranberry Watermelon, Pineapple), Old Orchard (all 100% juice flavors with green lids), Ruby Kist (Apple, White Grape, Pineapple, Grape, Orange, Grapefruit), Seneca (Apple), Tree Top (Apple, Apple Grape), V8 (Original Vegetable, Low Sodium Vegetable, Spicy Hot), Welch's (Grape, Red Grape, White Grape, Tropical Trio, Super Berry, Black Cherry, 100% Concord Grape with Fiber, 100% Concord Grape with Calcium, White Grape Cherry, White Grape Peach, Orange Pineapple Apple), White House (Apple).

Store brands approved for apple, grape, pineapple, tomato, vegetable, or white grape juice: Essential Everyday, Great Value, Harris Teeter, IGA, Kroger, SE Grocers, HyTop, Food Lion, Food Club, Our Family, Tipton Grove, Southern Home, Freedom's Choice, and Market Pantry.

Not allowed: fruit drinks, infant or baby juice, juice cocktails, glass bottles, organic juice, added sugars, or sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade).

Fruits and Vegetables (Cash Value Benefit)

A cash value benefit is loaded onto your eWIC card each benefit period for fruits and vegetables. The exact amount is shown on your shopping list and in the SC WIC App. When buying fresh produce sold by the pound, weigh items on the store scale, round to the nearest half pound, and estimate the cost before checkout. If your purchase exceeds your cash value benefit, you can pay the difference with another form of payment. If you spend less, no change is given.

Approved: Fresh fruit (any variety); fresh vegetables; frozen fruit (no added sugar, fats, oils, or salt); frozen vegetables (no added sugar, fats, or oils); frozen mature legumes (beans, peas, lentils); canned fruit in juice or water pack; canned vegetables (no added sugar, fats, or oils); canned tomato sauce and tomato paste; pre-cut, diced, or sliced fruit and vegetables; single-serving packets; organic fruit and vegetables; fruit and vegetable pouches; and fresh herbs cut at the root or with the root intact.

Not approved with cash value benefits: Dried fruits and dried vegetables; dry or canned mature legumes (beans must be bought under the legume benefit, not the CVB); fruit and vegetable juices (buy under juice benefit); salsa; soups; pickled vegetables; olives; ketchup and other condiments; breaded vegetables; fruit leathers and fruit roll-ups; fruit or vegetable items on party trays or salad bars; fruits or vegetables mixed with sauces; produce with added corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, maltose, dextrose, sucrose, honey, or maple syrup; fruit packed with artificial sweeteners; or dried herbs used only for flavoring.

Infant Foods

Infant fruits and vegetables (infants 6 months and older): 3.5 oz or 4 oz containers — any variety of single-ingredient infant fruits or vegetables, any combination of fruits and vegetables, organic, starter kit fruits or veggies, and variety packs are all allowed. A dual-pack of 2× 3.5 oz counts as two containers. Approved brands: Beech-Nut, Beech-Nut Naturals, Beech-Nut Organics, Comforts, Earth's Best, Gerber, Gerber Natural for Baby, Gerber Organic for Baby, Greenwise Organic, Happy Baby Organics, Natures Promise Organic, Once Upon a Farm, Plum Organics, Simple Truth Organic, Tippy Toes, and Wild Harvest Organic. Not allowed: infant foods with added sugar, salt, starch, or sodium; products with added DHA; or dinner combinations.

Infant formula: Buy the exact brand, type, size, and number of cans shown on your eWIC card food balance. If your infant requires a special medical formula, your pediatrician must submit documentation to your WIC clinic before benefits can be issued.

Infant meat (fully breastfeeding babies 6 months and older only): 2.5 oz glass jars of any variety of infant meats or poultry with added broth or gravy, including organic. Approved brands: Beech-Nut, Gerber, Tippy Toes, and Earth's Best. Not allowed: combination dinners or infant meats with added sugars or salt.

Infant cereal (infants 6 months and older): 8 oz or 16 oz containers as specified on your food balance. Approved types: multigrain, oatmeal, rice, whole wheat, barley, oat and quinoa, and organic. Approved brands: Gerber, Tippy Toes, and Earth's Best. Not allowed: infant cereals with added fruit, formula, yogurt, or DHA.

Farmers' Market Benefits — SoliMarket

Eligible WIC participants in participating counties receive an annual Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefit to spend on fresh, South Carolina grown fruits, vegetables, and cooking herbs. Since 2023, South Carolina no longer uses paper vouchers — FMNP purchases are made through the SoliMarket Mobile App or a SoliMarket Shopper Card with QR code at approved farmers' markets and farm stands. FMNP is available at select health departments due to limited funding — contact your local health department or visit dph.sc.gov/wic for the current list of participating counties and issuing sites. All produce purchased must be South Carolina grown.