Education is a powerful tool for shaping generations and communities. WIC plays a vital role by equipping mothers and families with knowledge and providing opportunities to make informed decisions for the well-being of their children. Now in its 50th year, WIC is a one-of-a-kind program that is constantly evolving to meet the unique needs of mothers and families in underserved communities.

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WIC is at 11660 Upper Gilchrist Rd. in Mount Vernon 

WIC is a free nutrition program that helps income-eligible women and their children with breastfeeding education and support, supplemental nutritious foods; nutrition education and counseling; screening and referrals to other health and social services.

WIC improves pregnancy outcomes by providing support services necessary for full-term pregnancies; reduces infant mortality by reducing the incidence of low birth weight (infants under 5 ½ pounds are at greater risk of breathing problems, brain injuries and physical abnormalities) and provides infants and children with a healthy start in life by improving poor or inadequate diets.

 Who is eligible for WIC in Knox County?

• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a baby less than six months old; and infants and children up to five years old;
• Who meet WIC income guidelines; and, live in Knox County.

What are the income guidelines for WIC?

Effective July 1, 2024: In order to be eligible for WIC, the gross countable income of the economic unit (household), of which the applicant/participant is a member, must be less than or equal to the Ohio WIC program income guidelines for economic unit size provided in the following chart. WIC income guidelines are updated each year.

How Can WIC help families?

• Provide nutritional education and support.
• Provide breastfeeding education and support.  A breastfeeding peer helper is on staff to provide one-on-one counseling.  Breastfeeding Information
• Refer to prenatal and pediatric health care and other maternal and child health and human service programs such as Head Start, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps).
• Provide immunization screening and referral. We have access to the Ohio immunization data base and check your child’s records and since we are located at the health department, you can also get shots for your child after your WIC visit.
• Provide WIC nutrition cards for foods like: Milk, Cereal, Juice, Eggs, Peanut Butter, Beans,  Fruits, Vegetables, Infant Formula, Tuna, Salmon, Whole Grains, Yogurt and Cheese. WIC nutrition cards are accepted at most grocery stores in Knox County.
• Provide Farmers' Market coupons to be used at area Farmers' Markets during the summer months as part of the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
• As of 2022: Affordable Connectivity Program can help income eligible families in receiving broadband services needed for school, work, health care and more. To find out more information and to enroll, click here. 

What do I need to bring to the appointment?

• Proof of income (current pay stub, current Medicaid Card or approval letter for Healthy Start, Ohio Works First or Food Assistance)
• Proof of address (utility or credit bill, or Ohio driver's license)
• Proof of identity for you and any applicants (birth certificate, driver's license, Medicaid card, crib card or shot record)
• If pregnant, bring a doctor's statement showing due date
• Children's shot records

 

You can register to vote at all WIC Clinics

The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993, Public Law 103-31, provides that WIC clinics serve as voter registration assistance sites throughout Ohio. Applicants can register to vote at any WIC clinic in their communities, or registration can be completed through the online services of the Secretary of State’s office.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDAOASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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