FAQs2024-10-15T21:26:51+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to your most common WIC and breastfeeding questions. Explore the FAQs below to see how WIC can support you and your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to your most common WIC and breastfeeding questions. Explore the FAQs below to see how WIC can support you and your baby.

How can I get more information about the WIC program?2024-08-16T14:00:50+00:00

If you have any additional questions about the City of Dallas WIC Program:

Please call 214-670-7200​

Is WIC effective?2024-11-04T15:46:59+00:00

Over 70 studies have proven the effectiveness of WIC.

  • Participation in WIC reduces anemia levels in children. Anemia is a serious nutritional problem which makes it difficult for children to learn and pay attention.
  • WIC families eat more nutritious foods.
  • WIC children have better immunization rates.
  • WIC participation reduces infant mortality.
  • WIC improves pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women who participate in WIC seek prenatal care earlier.
  • A study was conducted comparing (A) WIC children and (B) children who did not participate in WIC. Group (A)’s mothers enrolled in WIC during pregnancy and their children continued on WIC until graduation from the program at age 5. Group (B)’s mother were eligible for WIC, but for one reason or another, did not participate. The study showed that the WIC children from group (A) had better visual-motor abilities, better vocabularies and better memories.
  • For every $1 spent on WIC there is an average savings of $4.21 in Medicaid costs.
What about integrity in the WIC Program?2024-08-16T14:00:09+00:00

Many fraud controls exist within the WIC Program. WIC participants must provide proof of income, identification and address upon enrollment and at six-month intervals thereafter. Local WIC agencies are audited frequently by the State WIC Branch for program compliance. The State Vendor Management Unit works with supermarkets which accept WIC EBT cards to detect fraud in redemption.

What to do if I miss a WIC appointment?2024-08-16T13:59:43+00:00

If you are unable to make an appointment, please call us at 214-670-7200 to reschedule.

What is the WIC enrollment process?2024-08-16T13:58:51+00:00

The following requirements are necessary for WIC enrollment:

1. Proof of address

2. Identification (i.e. drivers license, state ID)

3. Proof of income (i.e. pay stub)

4. The child, infant, or woman enrolling must be present

*If a client does not have necessary documentation, WIC staff members will assist the participant in meeting these requirements.

Who is income eligible?2024-08-16T13:58:09+00:00

WIC income eligibility is based on 185% of poverty level. The guidelines consider total household size and income. WIC helps all eligible families on public assistance, but also assists families with working parents. Many low to moderate income families are eligible and do not realize it. Click here for qualifications.​

What do you mean by “nutritional need?”2024-08-16T13:57:25+00:00

WIC is not an entitlement program. That means eligibility is not solely based on household income. All WIC participants are screened for nutritional risk by trained staff.

What group does WIC serve?2024-08-16T13:56:55+00:00
  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding women up to one year postpartum
  • Non-breastfeeding women up to six months postpartum
  • Postpartum women with special circumstances (such as miscarriage or adoption) up to six months postpartum
  • Infants and children under age 5
  • Single fathers with eligible children
  • All foster children under 5
What about undocumented immigrants?2024-08-16T13:56:19+00:00

Families living in the U.S. undocumented or who have applied for citizenship do qualify for WIC. Their application or legal status will not be jeopardized in any way.

Who is eligible for WIC?2024-08-16T13:56:03+00:00

In order to be eligible for WIC, you must: 1. Be in a group WIC serves.(see What groups does WIC serve?) 2. Meet the income guidelines. (see What are the income guidelines?) 3. Have a nutritional need which can be improved by WIC. (see What do you mean by nutritional need?) 4. Live in an area served by WIC.

What types of foods may be purchased with the EBT Card?2024-08-16T13:55:39+00:00

Only foods which are high in Vitamin A&C, protein, iron and calcium are provided as part of the WIC program. These are the nutrients which are vital to good health and development of pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children. The foods the WIC program provides include eggs, milk, cheese, beans, peanut butter, iron fortified infant and adult cereals, fruit, vegetables and strained baby fruit and vegetables and Vitamin C fortified juices. Breastfeeding women receive additional food benefits which also include tuna and carrots. While it is the hope of the City of Dallas WIC that all of our mothers will choose breastfeeding as the ideal infant feeding choice, iron fortified infant formula is also provided.

WIC EBT benefits are issued for very specific foods in specific amounts, to ensure that the best possible nutrition is provided at the lowest possible cost.

What does WIC provide?2024-08-16T13:55:04+00:00
  • Electronic Benefit Transfer for nutritious food (EBT card)
  • Nutrition classes
  • Individual nutrition counseling
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Community referrals
What is the connection between the City of Dallas and the WIC Program?2024-08-16T13:54:30+00:00

The City of Dallas administers the WIC Program through a grant contract with the Texas Department of State health Services. This WIC/City of Dallas partnership developed when the WIC Program was first initiated in the state of Texas in 1974.

Where is WIC available?2024-08-16T13:53:57+00:00

WIC is available in all 50 States and in the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

How long has WIC been around?2024-08-16T13:53:35+00:00

The WIC Program was started as a pilot program in Pineville, Kentucky in 1974 and was adopted as a major, nation-wide program in 1975.

How is WIC funded?2024-11-04T15:47:43+00:00

WIC is funded by an appropriation from Congress to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA allocates monies to the various States and Territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) Health Departments. Various local WIC agencies receive funds based on the number of WIC participants they serve.

WIC is also funded, in part, by private industry. WIC generates revenue through competitive bidding on some of the foods the WIC program provides. This is inclusive of a rebate.

What is WIC?2024-11-04T15:46:37+00:00

WIC is a Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It is federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

How do I know my baby is getting enough to eat?2024-08-16T13:51:00+00:00

Many new moms have this same concern. When you can’t weigh your baby the best way to tell if he is getting enough to eat in the early days is counting bowel movements. A baby that is fed only breast milk should have about 4 poop diapers every 24 hours. Breastfed newborns feed about every one and a half to three hours. Feedings last about 30-40 minutes. When feedings last longer than 40 minutes or occur less than one hour apart, or you have any other reason to be concerned about your baby’s intake, contact your doctor immediately.

I have heard breastfeeding is difficult.2024-08-16T13:50:49+00:00

It is not difficult. Breastfeeding is the first thing a mom and baby learn together. Baby is learning to suck, swallow and breathe and mom is learning baby’s needs and personality. Learning something new takes effort and patience. Having support from family and friends is important. If you feel overwhelmed and unsure give us a call here at the Lactation Foundation. Sometimes, all new moms need is a pat on the back and reassurance that things are going well.

Will I need a breast pump and if I do what type?2024-08-16T13:50:38+00:00

No, you do not need one. In the early weeks of breastfeeding it is best to latch the baby to the breast as it helps to build a good milk supply and teaches the baby to breastfeed. If a mother has to return to work or school or has to be separated frequently from her baby an electric breast pump makes this easier. If mom is only away occasionally a manual pump works well and is easier to carry. Whatever ​the situation is, WIC has breast pumps that can meet every mother’s needs. The type of pump will depend on mom’s situation.

Do I need any special clothes to breastfeed?2024-08-16T13:50:27+00:00

No, many women prefer clothing that can be lifted up from the waist (shirt) or unbuttoned are just fine. Nursing bras are not a necessity but a convenience. Nursing bras do not have to be expensive and can be purchased at most retail stores.

Does breastfeeding hurt?2024-08-16T13:50:17+00:00

Breastfeeding should not be painful, even in the beginning. Most of the time this can be corrected by simple adjustments in positioning baby and mom.

My baby is due in two months. What should I do to get ready to breastfeed?2024-11-04T15:48:49+00:00

The most important thing a soon to be mom can do is educate herself by reading web sites, like www.breastmilkcounts.com and others listed on our resources links page. Telling family and friends your breastfeeding goals ahead of time will prepare them to support your decision after the baby is born.