Here are additional resources available in Skagit County. Skip to the FAQ section below to search for answers to your questions.
WIC FAQs & Additional Resources
Click to expand or collapse information on the topics below
Whether you are an existing WIC client or interested in applying for WIC, we would love to hear from you! You can make an appointment in one of the following ways:
- Call us at 360-854-0435
- Fill out our contact form
- Email us at WIC@UnitedGeneral.org
No, we will not ask you about your citizenship or immigration status.
Our current WIC staff members speak English and Spanish. We have access to interpreters on the phone for other languages.
Nutrition education and breastfeeding materials are printed in a variety of languages. The WIC Shopper App has many language options available.
WIC appointments are individualized for you, and they usually happen every 1-3 months.
Click to see what usually happens at our WIC appointments.
There may be a few reasons that you don’t have food benefits on your account:
- You may have purchased all of your foods for the month. You can check your “Purchase History” on your WICShopper app to see what foods have been purchased recently.
- Check to see if you have an appointment with us scheduled soon. If you don’t have your next WIC appointment scheduled or aren’t sure, call us at 360.854.0435. Please leave us a quick message if you get through to the voicemail. We will usually make your next appointment very close to your “Last Day to Use”.
- If you have a new card or your card has been replaced, be sure to go to the settings menu in the WIC Shopper app and click “Manage Cards”. You can check that your card number in your app matches your current WIC card.
No, there is no need to separate your WIC foods at checkout. Tell the cashier you are using a WIC card before the transaction. Be sure to use your WIC card first, then use another form of payment for the remaining purchases.
The easiest way to check your balance is with your WICShopper app. Click to see how to read your My Benefits screen.
You can also check your balance by looking at the bottom of your most recent grocery receipt. For details on what to look for, see Shopping With Your WIC Card.
If eligible, your family will receive one WIC card that will be issued when you enroll.
Interested in applying for WIC? Find out if you may be eligible, and make an appointment to apply.
You can download the WICShopper App from the Google Play store, or the Apple App store.
For information on registering and using the WICShopper App, click here.
It’s important to remember that not all WIC-approved foods are approved for everyone. Your WIC clinic can print you a list of your specific food benefits, or you can check your available benefits on the WICShopper app.
*** The WICShopperApp WIC Shopping Guide has the MOST updated list of approved foods. ***
To see a general list of WIC-approved foods, see the WIC Shopping Guide.
Find out what infant formulas are covered by WIC, as well as information on formula recalls, on this Dept. of Health webpage.
Click here for video tutorials to help make your shopping experience smooth. You’ll find tips and trick to maximize your WIC benefits.
See the Shopping with WIC webpage for step-by-step info on using your WIC card. For more details, including reading your receipts, view the Shopping With Your WIC Card tool.
Visit the baby gooroo website for a series of helpful breastfeeding videos.
Explore helpful information about breastfeeding at the WIC Breastfeeding Support website, including:
- Planning to breastfeed
- Starting to breastfeed once the baby arrives
- Overcoming challenges that may come up
Yes, you can go back to work or school and continue breastfeeding. New laws require many workplaces to support breastfeeding employees. Ask your employer or WIC staff for more information.
Have concerns about breastfeeding in public? Ask our WIC staff for suggestions at 360-854-0435.
Washington state laws protect parents when nursing in public. Visit this website for more information about your rights and breastfeeding laws.
Visit this WIC webpage for tips to help you get a good latch, and know if you have one.
Nursing shouldn’t hurt. If it does, get help by calling us at 360-854-0435, or texting our Breastfeeding Counselor at 360-333-1467.
You can make all of the milk your baby needs. Holding baby skin-to-skin while in the hospital and after going home, helps you make milk. Breastfeeding your baby whenever baby is hungry and exclusively breastfeeding for the first 4-6 weeks will protect your milk supply. Learn about steps you can take directly after birth and beyond to boost your milk supply at the Droplet website. Learn more about how breastmilk is made on this WIC breastfeeding support webpage.
In this baby gooroo video with breastfeeding expert Amy Spangler, several new mothers talk about how to know whether your baby is eating enough, what color and consistency baby poop should be, and how often your baby should poop.
There are many health benefits of breastfeeding, including:
- Reduced risk of ear infections, asthma, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, eczema
- Special time to bond with your baby
- Nutrients in human milk change to meet your baby’s needs
- Breastfeeding saves money.
- Breastmilk is convenient. Human milk is warm and ready to go whenever your baby is hungry
For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, visit the La Leche League (LLL) website.
Between birth to 4 months, your baby will want to eat 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, usually taking 2 to 3 ounces at each feed. At 4 to 6 months, they may still eat 6-8 times in 24 hours, usually taking 4 to 6 ounces at each feed.
For tips on how to tell if your baby is hungry or full, visit the WIC Breastfeeding Support website.
Find community resources to support you on your path to nourishing your new baby at the Skagit County Lactation Coalition website.
Click here for information on the WA State Department of Health’s Lactation & Infant-Friendly Feeding Environments (LIFE). LIFE encourages organizations to promote and support breastfeeding through changes in their policies and procedures.
Many parent struggle with a picky or choosy eater at some point in childhood. It’s very common and challenging at the same time. Don’t give up because we want kids to see a new food many times in order to become familiar and comfortable eating it. Make family meals relaxed to avoid pressure to eat everything. Ask your WIC staff person about the “Tips for Picky Eaters” handout the next time you stop by the WIC office or we can mail you a copy. Read it now in English or Spanish.
Click here to find a variety of health tips for pregnant people, including a healthy eating plan that includes nutrient-rich foods and beverages.
Eating a family meal is an opportunity for everyone to connect with each other through food, fun, and conversation about things that matter. Find recipes, fun activities, conversation starters, and advice for enjoying meals together at TheFamilyDinnerProjet.org
Find family-friendly recipes and a variety of information for children & parents to cook and eat real food together at ChopChopFamily.org
Find recipes, gardening, kids’ activity sheets and videos at FoodHero.org
MyPlate.gov encourages a healthy eating style based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
“A healthy eating routine is important at every stage of life. It can have positive effects that add up over time. It’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients. Make every bite count.” – MyPlate.gov
Find community resources to support you on your path to nourishing your new baby at the Skagit County Lactation Coalition website.
WIC is for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under 5 years old. If one or more of these applies to you, check the income eligibility chart here, or give us a call us at (360) 854-0435.
Call or text the Pregnancy Connections Nurse at 360-770-7743 to ask questions, receive guidance, and learn about classes and other supports. Visit HelpMeGrow Skagit for more information and services.
DentistLink is a non-profit organization that will connect you with a Washington state dentist for the dental care you need to be healthy. They provide assistance whether or not you are insured.
For information on vaccinations for all ages, visit the WA State Department of Health’s Immunization webpage.
Access your family’s immunization records online here.
Mount Baker Planned Parenthood provides services in Mount Vernon, Bellingham, and Friday Harbor.
Ask WIC staff about getting connected to a Health Care Authority representative for assistance. You can read about health insurance options on the ParentHelp123 website.
A Skagit Gleaners membership can help you save money on your monthly food expenses and household needs. Visit their website at www.skagitgleaners.org/membership
Skagit FVRx is a free, year-long healthy eating program that supports folks with vouchers (FVRx Bucks) to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. The program also provides supporting nutrition education and connections to local resources for healthy eating and active living.
The program begins every January and runs for a full year. Materials and support are provided in English and Spanish. Visit the Skagit FVRx webpage to learn more and submit an interest form to see if you qualify.
Basic Food provides monthly benefits on an EBT card to purchase groceries. It can be used in addition to the WIC benefits you are receiving.
United General District 304 can help you with the application process. Visit our Basic Food webpage for eligibility information and to apply.
Click for a list of Skagit County food bank locations and hours. There are no eligibility requirements to receive services.
Visit the Helping Hands Food Bank homepage for more information about programs in the region.
Learn 10 ways to support your child’s kindergarten readiness.
SPARC (Skagit Preschool and Resource Center) is a neurodevelopment center that provides educational, therapeutic, and related services to children from birth to five years of age of all abilities. They specialize in neuromuscular or developmental delays, disorders, or chronic medical conditions.
Skagit/Islands Head Start provides early learning environments for children from birth through age 5.
HelpMeGrow Skagit helps locals grow up healthy from pregnancy to early childhood through services such as the Pregnancy Connections Nurse, Family Resource Navigator, and Family Resource center.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that provides cash grants and medical coverage for Washington State residents who are responsible for the care of children under the age of 18 or who are pregnant and meet the eligibility criteria.
The Family Resource Center is available to families with young children seeking items such as diapers, wipes, and cleaning products. Call or text 360-230-9129.
Visit the HelpMeGrow Skagit website for more services and information.
Call WIC: 360-854-0435
Fax WIC: 360-856-5094
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Washington WIC doesn’t discriminate. We will not ask about citizenship or immigration status.
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