South Dakota WIC Program

About the South Dakota WIC Program

South Dakota WIC is administered by the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) through clinic sites across the state. The program provides free nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and community services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status, and participation is not considered in public charge determinations.

Three Indian Tribal Organizations — Separate Tribal WIC Programs

South Dakota WIC works cooperatively with three Indian Tribal Organizations to ensure statewide coverage: the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Each tribal organization operates its own WIC program for enrolled members and nearby communities. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe WIC, based in Eagle Butte, is directed by Joleen Straighthead and can be reached at 605-964-3947. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe WIC program is based in Rosebud at (605) 747-2617. Native American families may choose to enroll in their tribal WIC program or the state DOH program. Families receiving benefits through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are automatically eligible for WIC without additional income documentation.

WIC Online Grocery Shopping on Reservations

South Dakota and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe WIC Programs partnered with Buche Foods, an independent grocer operating on the Oglala Lakota and Rosebud Indian reservations, on a USDA-funded WIC online grocery shopping pilot. The project — one of four funded through a cooperative agreement with the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition — allowed WIC participants to purchase both WIC and non-WIC groceries in a single online transaction. It was specifically designed to address the transportation and access barriers faced by families in remote reservation communities.

Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program

The South Dakota Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program is offered free of charge to all WIC participants. Pregnant women and mothers who choose to breastfeed can receive personalized support from trained peer counselors — current or former breastfeeding mothers — who understand the challenges of nursing from firsthand experience. South Dakota was previously recognized as one of eight states nationally with the largest increase in fully breastfed WIC infants, earning federal Breastfeeding Bonus funding.

Apply Online or Call Your Local Office

South Dakota WIC offers online eligibility screening through the myWIC Portal. After completing the eligibility check, WIC staff will follow up to schedule your in-person certification appointment. You can also visit sd.gov/wic to find your nearest WIC or Community Health Services office and call directly.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Dakota WIC

South Dakota WIC Income Limits 2026

South Dakota WIC uses the federal income eligibility guidelines, set annually at 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The table below shows the current limits, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

How Household Size Is Counted

A pregnant woman counts as two household members — herself and the unborn child. If she is expecting twins or multiples, add one person per expected baby. Using this larger household size typically increases the household income limit and may make a family eligible even if they initially appear to exceed the threshold.

Automatic Eligibility — No Income Verification Required

If your household currently receives any of the following benefits, WIC staff will verify your eligibility directly without reviewing income documents:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• Medicaid — must carry an approved South Dakota Medicaid aid code. WIC staff can help determine whether your Medicaid type qualifies. If your Medicaid does not carry an approved aid code, staff will verify income through standard documentation instead.
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)

Bring your enrollment card or a current benefit letter to your appointment as proof of participation in one of these programs.

If You Need to Document Income

Bring records of all income received by every member of your household during the 28 to 31 days before your application date. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs, an employer letter stating your wages and hours, or — for self-employed applicants — your most recent federal income tax return (Form 1040). If your income varies by pay period, WIC staff may average recent periods to determine eligibility.

Foster Children

Foster children are categorically eligible for WIC regardless of the foster family's income. Bring documentation from the placing agency confirming foster status at your appointment.

Immigration Status

South Dakota WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. WIC is open to all eligible South Dakota residents, and participation in WIC is not considered in federal public charge determinations.

Final Eligibility Is Determined at Your Appointment

The income guidelines and adjunctive programs listed here reflect current federal standards. Final eligibility is always determined by a South Dakota WIC staff member at your certification appointment, where household size, income, residency, and nutritional risk are assessed together. If you are unsure whether you qualify, apply — there is no cost to apply, and WIC staff will help you find out.

South Dakota WIC Approved Foods

South Dakota WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized participating businesses statewide, including Hy-Vee and regional and independent grocers. The WICShopper app helps participants find approved products, check benefit balances, and locate authorized stores near you.

Fruits and Vegetables

All participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils. The benefit amount varies by participant category and is shown on your eWIC card. South 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.

Whole Grains

Approved whole grain options include whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, oatmeal, and approved cereals. Use the WICShopper app or the South Dakota WIC approved foods list to verify current approved brands and sizes before shopping.

Dairy and Protein

• Milk: low-fat (1%), non-fat, or lactose-free; soy-based beverages are also approved
• Cheese: approved varieties in specified sizes
• Yogurt: low-fat or non-fat for women and children age 2 and older; whole milk yogurt for children age 1
• Eggs
• Peanut butter or dried/canned beans, peas, and lentils
• Tofu (approved brands and sizes)
• Canned fish — tuna, salmon, and sardines — for fully breastfeeding women

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 for infants 6–12 months
• Jarred infant meats for fully breastfed infants 6–12 months

Juice and Cereal

100% fruit or vegetable juice in approved brands and sizes is available for women and children. Iron-fortified cereals must meet South Dakota WIC specifications. Use the WICShopper app to verify approved brands before shopping.