WIC means healthy food at NO COST to those who qualify!
WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other helpful services to pregnant individuals, new moms, infants, and kids under 5. Dads, grandparents, and other caregivers can apply for WIC for children in their care. Working families and non-U.S. citizens can qualify, too. If you need help stretching your grocery budget, you can start your application now, online.
What is WIC?
WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. WIC’s goal is to improve the health and nutrition of moms and kids. It is well known that pregnancy and early childhood are among the most important times for growth and development and WIC is here to help.
What does WIC provide?
How to apply
You can participate in Hawaiʻi WIC if you:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or had a baby in the last 6 months, or have children under 5 years old, including those cared for by a single father, grandparents, foster parent, step-parent
- Live in Hawaii (includes military families, immigrants and foreign students)
- Have a household income matching the guidelines, OR already receive TANF, SNAP, QUEST or Medicaid.
Fill out and submit Hawaiʻi WIC pre-application online, and a WIC staff person will contact you. You can also call 586-8175 (Oahu) or toll-free at 1-888-820-6425 (Neighbor Islands) for help.
Your First Appointment
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Proof of identity for you and any child up to age 5 like a birth certificate, driver’s license, school ID card, or healthcare provider record
- Proof of address like a rent or mortgage document, utility or cell phone bill, paystub, or a letter from a shelter.
- Proof of income like paystubs, SNAP or TANF letters, Medicaid cards, or tax returns.
What should I expect?
During your first appointment a WIC representative will walk you through the eligibility process to ensure you meet the criteria.
Your representative will:
- Conduct a health assessment
- Provide opportunities to discuss nutrition and health concerns
- Provide referrals to other medical care and services
- Provide monthly benefits and education that will help you with your food budget
Remember, your child must attend your first appointment.
eWIC Card & Benefits
If you are approved for WIC, you will receive:
- An eWIC benefit card and a list of foods you can buy with it.
- A health and nutrition assessment for each qualifying member of your family.
- Nutrition counseling focused on your needs and concerns.
- Breastfeeding information and support for those interested.
- Referrals to other programs and services.
- Flexibility to schedule in-person or remote appointments.
FAQs
How do I get WIC benefits on my WIC account?
At your WIC appointment, WIC staff will add your benefits to your family’s eWIC account. You will get a list of your family’s WIC benefits for the next three months. The list will have start and end dates for your benefits.
What is an eWIC card?
An eWIC card is like a debit card. You can use your eWIC card to buy WIC-approved foods at WIC stores. Your local agency will add your family’s benefits to your eWIC account.
Who should I contact if I have trouble with my eWIC card?
- Talk to your local WIC agency staff
- Visit your store’s customer service desk
- Call eWIC Card Customer Service at 1-844-540-3013
- Visit www.WICconnect.com
WICShopper Mobile App
Know your WIC food benefits
You're only allowed to buy foods in your WIC food package. Even if a food scans “WIC allowed,” it may not be allowed for you to buy as part of your WIC benefits. For example, canned fish must be listed in your food package for you to buy it at the store. You have to have your WIC Card registered in your app or the app won't know what items are allowed in your family's food benefits.
Registering eWIC Card and WICShopper App
To setup your eWIC Card:
- Select a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) before using your card.
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To select your PIN:
- Call the automated phone line at 1-888-347-5449
OR - Go to: health.hawaii.gov/wic/eWIC
- From there you will be directed to where you can select your PIN.
- Call the automated phone line at 1-888-347-5449
To setup your WICShopper App on Phone:
- Install “WICShopper” from your app store.
- Select Hawaii as your WIC Agency.
- Register using the 16 digit number on your eWIC card.
- Scan product bar codes to identify WIC-approved foods as you shop.
- View your current benefits, Approved Food List, recipes, and more right from the app!
Hawaiʻi WIC Food List for Pregnant Women
Your WIC foods:
- Are low in fat and high in fiber.
- Provide nutritional variety.
- Help promote a healthy weight gain and a healthy baby.
Food Package:
- Cereal: 36 ounces
- Whole grains: 1 pound
- Fruits and vegetables: $ 47
- Juice: 144 ounces (3 - 12 ounce frozen or 3 - 48oz containers)
- Low-fat or fat-free milk: 4.5 gallons
- Yogurt or low-fat or fat-free milk: 1 quart
- Cheese: 1 pound
- Eggs: 1 dozen
- Beans and peanut butter: 1 pound dry or 4 cans and peanut butter 16 to 18 ounce jar
Before your baby is born, speak to a WIC counselor about choosing one of the three food packages for you and your baby.
Hawaiʻi WIC Food List for Moms and Fully Breastfeeding Babies
This food package is the largest and does not contain any formula. Moms and babies can get this food package until baby’s first birthday.
You will receive breastfeeding support throughout your baby’s first year. WIC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend you feed your baby only breastmilk for the first 6 months of life. When your baby is around 6 months old, introduce solid foods and continue to breastfeed for 2 years or longer, as desired.
Hawaiʻi WIC Food List for Moms and Partially Breastfeeding Babies
This package is for families who are feeding both breastmilk and formula. It contains less food than the fully breastfeeding food package but more than the formula feeding package, and it includes some formula. The amount of formula will vary depending on how much your baby needs and her age. Moms and babies can get this package until baby’s first birthday.
As a WIC mom, you will receive breastfeeding support throughout your baby’s first year.
Hawaii WIC Food List for Moms and Formula Feeding Babies
This package is for families who are feeding mostly formula with some breastfeeding or only formula. It includes more formula than the partially breastfeeding package, but not all the formula your baby may need. Moms who choose this package will receive foods for the first 6 months after baby is born.
If you choose this package, your baby will receive the following foods throughout her first year. You will receive foods for yourself only during the first 6 months. As a WIC mom, you will receive breastfeeding support throughout your baby’s first year.
Hawaiʻi WIC Food List for Children 1-2 Years
Your child’s WIC foods:
- Are low in fat and high in fiber.
- Provide nutritional variety.
- Help promote a healthy weight.
Child’s Food Package (per child):
- Cereal: 36 ounces
- Whole grains: 2 pounds
- Fruits and vegetables: $ 26
- Juice: 128 ounces (2 - 16 ounce frozen or 64 fluid ounces)
- Whole milk: 2.5 gallons
- Yogurt or whole milk: 1 quart
- Cheese: 1 pound
- Eggs: 1 dozen
- Beans: 1 pound dry or 4 cans
Hawaiʻi WIC Food List for Children 2-5 Years
How is this package different from the food package for children 1 to 2 years old?
- Whole milk is replaced with low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk.
- Peanut butter and canned beans are included as an alternative to dry beans.
Child’s Food Package (per child):
- Cereal: 36 ounces
- Whole grains: 2 pounds
- Fruits and vegetables: $ 26
- Juice: 128 ounces (2 - 16 ounce frozen or 64 fluid ounces)
- Low-fat or fat-free milk: 2.5 gallons
- Yogurt or low-fat or fat-free milk: 1 quart
- Cheese: 1 pound
- Eggs: 1 dozen
- Beans or peanut butter: 1 pound dry or 4 cans or peanut butter 16 to 18 ounce jar