SNAP vs. WIC — Which One Do You Need?
SNAP provides broad monthly grocery benefits to all low-income household members. WIC provides specific supplemental foods and nutrition services to a narrower population: pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5.
WIC
Nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
View program →Can you receive both? Yes.
Yes — SNAP and WIC are separate programs with separate applications, and you can receive both simultaneously. WIC is specifically designed to supplement SNAP for households with pregnant women, infants, or young children. Receiving one does not reduce the other.
Which should you apply for?
If you have pregnant women, infants, or children under 5 in your household, apply for WIC even if you already receive SNAP. WIC provides specific foods that support pregnancy and early childhood development, plus breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals that SNAP does not offer. Apply for SNAP separately to cover the whole household's grocery needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods can I buy with WIC?
WIC provides specific approved foods including infant formula, milk, eggs, whole grain cereals, bread, juice, dried beans or peanut butter, canned fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The exact food package varies based on participant type (infant, child, pregnant, postpartum). WIC does not cover alcohol, vitamins, non-food items, or prepared foods.
Do I have to apply for WIC in person?
WIC typically requires at least one in-person visit at a local WIC clinic for an initial certification appointment. This appointment includes a health screening, height and weight measurements, and nutrition counseling. Subsequent appointments may be available by phone in some states. Find your local WIC office at fns.usda.gov/wic.
My child is older than 5 — can they still get WIC?
No. WIC serves children up to their 5th birthday. After age 5, WIC eligibility ends for that child, though any other children under 5 or a new pregnancy in the household can still qualify. For school-age children, the free and reduced-price school meal program provides daily meals, and SNAP can cover household grocery needs.