Free Guide to WIC Programs in Maryland

What is the WIC Program and How It Works in Maryland

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a federal nutrition assistance program designed to support the health and nutrition of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. In Maryland, the program is administered by the Department of Health and the Maryland State Department of Education. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and food benefits to help families purchase nutritious foods from authorized retailers.

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The program operates with a specific mission: to reduce health risks among pregnant women and young children from low-income families and to improve childhood development and school readiness. Maryland's WIC program serves approximately 100,000 participants each month across the state, making it a significant nutrition resource for families.

WIC functions differently from other food assistance programs. Rather than providing direct cash payments, the program gives participants a specific list of approved foods they can purchase. These foods are chosen based on their nutritional value and include items like milk, cheese, eggs, beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula. Participants receive a benefits card, similar to a debit card, that can be used at participating grocery stores and farmers markets throughout Maryland.

The program also includes several supportive services beyond food benefits. Participants receive nutrition education sessions taught by WIC nutritionists, breastfeeding counseling and support, referrals to health and social services, and assistance with connecting to other community resources. These services are meant to work together to improve overall health outcomes for participating families.

Maryland operates WIC through local health departments in each county and the Baltimore City Health Department. This means services are available in communities throughout the state. Each local office has nutritionists, breastfeeding counselors, and staff who provide support to participants. Understanding how the program works locally is important before learning about other program details.

Key takeaway: WIC is a nutrition-focused federal program administered locally in Maryland that provides food benefits, nutrition education, and health support services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children from income-eligible families.

Who May Participate in Maryland's WIC Program

Understanding who can participate in WIC is essential for families considering whether this program might serve their needs. Maryland's WIC program has specific requirements related to age, income, and nutrition risk status. A person must meet all three categories to participate: they must be in a qualifying age group, their household income must fall within the program's limits, and they must have a documented nutrition or health risk.

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Age requirements are straightforward. Pregnant women of any age can participate. New mothers (women who are breastfeeding or have given birth within the past six months) can participate. Infants from birth to their first birthday can participate. Children ages one through five can participate. These age groups cover a specific period in human development when nutrition has particularly strong effects on growth, brain development, and long-term health.

Income limits in Maryland are set at 185 percent of the federal poverty level for most household sizes. As of 2024, this means a family of four with a monthly income of approximately $3,860 or less would meet the income requirement. However, income limits are adjusted annually, so families should check current limits with their local WIC office. Additionally, families that receive SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are automatically income-eligible for WIC, regardless of household income level.

Nutrition risk is the third requirement. This means a healthcare provider must identify a nutrition-related health condition or risk factor. Examples include anemia, being underweight, overweight, or obesity, inadequate dietary intake, food insecurity, or certain medical conditions. WIC staff work with local health departments and healthcare providers to assess nutrition risk. Most applicants who have had recent contact with a healthcare provider will have documentation of a nutrition risk factor.

Maryland residents must provide proof of residency to participate. This can be shown through a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage document, or other official mail showing a Maryland address. Participants do not need to be citizens of the United States; the program serves all residents regardless of immigration status. This is important because it removes a barrier that might otherwise prevent families from accessing nutrition support.

Key takeaway: To participate in Maryland's WIC program, a person must be in a qualifying age group (pregnant women, postpartum women, infants under one year, or children one through five), have household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, have documented nutrition risk, and be a Maryland resident.

The Food Benefits and Approved Food List

Maryland's WIC program provides monthly food benefits that participants can use to purchase approved foods from authorized retailers. The specific foods and quantities available vary based on age and status. For example, a pregnant woman's monthly food package differs from an infant's, and a child's package differs from a breastfeeding mother's. This tailoring reflects different nutritional needs at different life stages.

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Approved foods in Maryland's WIC program include: milk (dairy milk or fortified plant-based alternatives like soy or almond milk), yogurt and cheese (for dairy and protein), eggs, beans and legumes (canned or dried), peanut butter, whole grain bread and cereals, brown rice, pasta, infant formula (for infants not breastfed), baby food fruits and vegetables, fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), and canned fish like tuna or salmon. The specific quantities of each food type depend on the participant's age and nutritional needs.

Importantly, WIC foods are limited to what the program considers nutritious choices. This means certain items common in grocery stores are not approved. Items not covered include sodas, candy, chips, processed snack foods, hot foods, prepared foods from the deli counter, meat products beyond canned fish, and most frozen foods. The approved list is designed based on nutrition science about what foods provide the most benefit for child development, maternal health, and infant growth.

Maryland uses a benefits card system for accessing food benefits, similar to a debit card. Participants receive a card that is loaded with their monthly food benefits. This card can be used at any authorized WIC retailer in Maryland or in other states. Authorized retailers include most major grocery chains, many smaller grocery stores, farmers markets, and specialty stores. Using the card is straightforward: participants select approved foods, and the card deducts the purchase from their monthly allotment.

One feature of Maryland's WIC program is the option to receive additional benefits for fruits and vegetables. This is sometimes called the "farmers market nutrition program" component. Participants may receive additional dollars specifically for purchasing fresh produce from farmers markets, supporting both nutrition and local agriculture. Participating farmers markets throughout Maryland accept WIC benefits, making fresh, local produce more accessible to families.

Participants can see their remaining WIC benefits at any time by checking their balance online, calling a balance-check number, or asking a cashier at a WIC-authorized store. This helps families track their spending and plan purchases throughout the month. If benefits are not used by the end of the month, they do not roll over—understanding how much is available and planning purchases accordingly helps families maximize their nutrition resources.

Key takeaway: Maryland's WIC program provides monthly food benefits for approved nutritious foods including dairy products, protein sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, distributed through a benefits card that can be used at authorized retailers throughout the state.

Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Support Services

Beyond food benefits, Maryland's WIC program includes nutrition education and breastfeeding support as core services. These educational components are based on research showing that nutrition knowledge and breastfeeding support significantly improve health outcomes for mothers and children. Every WIC participant receives some form of nutrition education, either individually or in group settings, at no cost.

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Nutrition education in Maryland's WIC program covers topics tailored to different life stages. For pregnant women, education may focus on healthy weight gain during pregnancy, foods that support fetal development, managing pregnancy-related nutrition concerns, and preparing for breastfeeding or bottle feeding. For new mothers, education covers postpartum nutrition, supporting milk supply if breastfeeding, and safe food preparation and storage. For infants and children, education focuses on introducing solid foods, age-appropriate portion sizes, preventing choking, and building healthy eating habits early in life.

WIC nutritionists in Maryland hold the credential of Registered Dietitian (RD) or are registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). These professionals have specialized education