Last verified 2026-05-17
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a free federal nutrition program. It gives pregnant people, new parents, babies, and kids under 5 healthy food, breastfeeding help, and nutrition advice.
Who qualifies
You can get WIC if you are a California resident and one of these:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding a baby under 12 months
- Up to 6 months after giving birth (or end of pregnancy)
- A parent, foster parent, grandparent, or other guardian of a child under 5
Income limits (May 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Your gross household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Count your unborn baby in your household size.
Household size | Monthly | Yearly |
1 | $2,461 | $29,526 |
2 | $3,337 | $40,034 |
3 | $4,212 | $50,542 |
4 | $5,088 | $61,050 |
5 | $5,964 | $71,558 |
Each more | +$876 | +$10,508 |
You automatically qualify (no income proof needed) if anyone in your household gets Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR. [Source: myfamily.wic.ca.gov/Home/AmIEligible (accessed 2026-05-17)]
What you get
- A WIC card loaded each month with money for specific healthy foods: milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, whole-grain bread and tortillas, cereal, brown rice, peanut butter, beans, juice, fruits and vegetables, baby food, infant formula, and tofu.
- Extra fruit and vegetable benefits — California has kept the boosted amounts (about $27/month for kids, $54 for pregnant and postpartum people, $55 for breastfeeding people).
- Free breastfeeding support, including peer counselors and breast pumps when needed.
- Nutrition classes and referrals to health care, dental, and other help.
Use the card at most grocery stores, including Raley's, BriarPatch, Grocery Outlet, SaveMart, Safeway, and many small markets.
How to apply in Nevada County
- Call to make an appointment — WIC is by appointment only.
- Grass Valley office: 530-265-1454
- Truckee office: 530-582-7814
- Or call the state WIC line: 1-800-852-5770
- Bring to your appointment:
- Photo ID for the adult applying
- Proof of California address (a piece of mail, lease, or utility bill)
- Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, award letters) — or your Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs card
- The child or children applying (they need to be there for a quick height/weight check)
- At the appointment (about an hour) they will sign you up, load your card, and book a follow-up.
You can also start online at myfamily.wic.ca.gov or download the free WIC California app.
Nevada County Public Health – WIC office
500 Crown Point Circle, Suite 110, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
[Source: nevadacountyca.gov/867 (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Common pitfalls
- Both parents working doesn't disqualify you. Many working families with two incomes still qualify, especially with more than one child. Check the table.
- You stay eligible after baby is born. Sign up while pregnant, then keep your child enrolled until age 5 by going to recertification appointments (usually every 6–12 months).
- Foster kids count as a household of 1. A foster child almost always qualifies on income alone.
- Dads, grandparents, and other guardians can apply for a child in their care.
- Missing a recert appointment drops you off WIC. Call right away to reschedule — you usually don't lose benefits if you act fast.
Where to get help
- Nevada County WIC, Grass Valley: 530-265-1454
- Nevada County WIC, Truckee: 530-582-7814
- California WIC helpline: 1-800-852-5770 (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm)
- Website: myfamily.wic.ca.gov
- Mobile app: WIC California (iOS / Android) — check balance, find stores, scan items
Sources
- California Department of Public Health WIC – Am I Eligible? — myfamily.wic.ca.gov/Home/AmIEligible (accessed 2026-05-17)
- CDPH WIC Income Guidelines (WPPM #980-1060, revised May 1, 2026)
- Nevada County Public Health – WIC Program page — nevadacountyca.gov/867 (accessed 2026-05-17)
- USDA FNS – WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines 2025–26 — fns.usda.gov/wic/income-eligibility-guidelines-2025-26