How WIC Works

Newly pregnant women, working families, including military and migrant families, are encouraged to apply! You can also apply if you had a pregnancy loss within the last 6 months.
In order to be eligible for WIC, you must:

1. Be in one of the following groups:
   • Pregnant women
   • Breastfeeding women up to one year after the birth of the baby (postpartum)
   • Non-breastfeeding women up to six months after the birth of the baby
   • Women who have lost a pregnancy within the past six months
   • Infants and children under five years old
   • Foster children under five years old
   • Single fathers, grandparents, and other legal guardians of children age 5 years or younger may receive benefits for eligible infants/children
   • Families living in California
2. Meet the income guidelines

WIC Program Guidance - Formula Shortage

Due to recent formula shortages, some stores may limit the number of cans that can be purchased per shopping trip.

WIC recommends:

• Contact WIC for Temporary Powdered Infant Formula Options.
• Shop on or sooner after your benefit start date.
• Call stores before you shop to ask if your formula is in stock or to find out when they expect to receive their next shipment.
• Talk to your pediatrician about a safe alternative if you are having trouble finding your specific formula.
• Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula and should not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.

For the latest information about the formula shortage and where to find infant formula, please visit:

From CDPH/WIC

From theU.S Department of Health Human Services

Temporary Powered Infant Formula Options