WIC Nutrition Program

Who can apply for the Maine WIC Nutrition Program?

WIC is open to anyone living in Maine, including migrants working in Maine. Applicants can be any of the following:

• Women and birthing parents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or had a baby in the last six months.
• Infants and children up to the age of five, including adopted and foster children.
• Non-birthing parents or guardians may apply for their children.

Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 are eligible.

They must meet income guidelines, live in Maine, and be individually determined to be at “nutrition risk” by a health professional.

If you are pregnant, you may count yourself as two household members. Individuals who are certified as eligible for MaineCare, TANF or SNAP are considered automatically income-eligible for WIC.

How do I apply?

You can call your nearest WIC office to make an appointment. Your first appointment will take about an hour of your time – an hour that can benefit you and your children for the rest of your lives.

**NEW** Contact Us to Join WIC! and a WIC staff member will call you to set up an appointment.

WIC Prescreening Tool

Use the Prescreening Tool to see if you may be eligible for the WIC Program.

Income Guidelines

For the period of June 1, 2022-June 30, 2023, please see Updated Income Eligible Guidelines .

If you are pregnant, you may count yourself as two household members. Individuals who are certified as eligible for MaineCare, TANF or SNAP are considered automatically income-eligible for WIC.

What is “nutrition risk?”

Two major types of nutrition risk are recognized for WIC eligibility:

• Medically-based risks such as anemia, underweight, overweight, history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes
• Dietary risks, such as failure to meet the dietary guidelines or inappropriate nutrition practices

Nutrition risk is determined by a health professional such as a physician, nutritionist, or nurse, and is based on Federal regulations. This nutrition assessment is free to program applicants.