Polk County Health Department

100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 180
Balsam Lake, WI - 54810
(715) 485-8520

Website

The Official WIC program is available to low to moderate income pregnant women, recently delivered women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk. Fathers can also bring their children to apply for WIC. You may apply for WIC if you are working or unemployed. Check the Income Guidelines Table to see if you are eligible for WIC. This website was created for women looking for WIC information and locations. We are also working towards adding other locations and services that may help out women.



Office Information: Office Hours
Call for appointment.


WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program

The purpose of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is to promote and maintain the health and well-being of nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children.

WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, supplemental nutritious foods, and referrals to other healthy and nutrition services.

Who is Eligible for WIC?
To be eligible for WIC benefits in Wisconsin, a person must meet the following requirements:

be a pregnant, breastfeeding or new mother; be an infant up to age one; or be a child up to age 5; and

be a resident of Wisconsin; and

be income eligible; and

have a health or nutrition need.


Benefits Received by WIC Participants
All participants receive:

Screening for nutrition and health needs.
Information on how to use WIC foods to improve health.
Benefits to buy foods that help keep you and your children healthy and strong.
Referrals to doctors, dentists, and programs like FoodShare, Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, Wisconsin Works (W-2) and Head Start.
Women receive:

WIC foods.
Information on healthy eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Help with starting or continuing breastfeeding.
Infants receive:

Help with starting or continuing breastfeeding.
Infant formula, if needed.
Immunization referrals.
Parents/caregivers receive information on taking care of babies.

Children receive:

WIC foods.
Immunization referrals.
Parents/caregivers receive information on food shopping, recipes and feeding a child.

Health benefits of WIC:

Premature births reduced
Low birth, weight reduced
Long-term medical expenses reduced
Food Benefits:

Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
100% juice
Whole wheat/whole grain foods: 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice, soft corn or whole wheat tortillas
Cereals
Beans, peas, lentils (canned or dried)
Peanut butter
Canned fish (light tuna or pink salmon)
Milk, eggs, cheese
Infant cereals, fruits and vegetables, and meats
Formulas and Medical Nutritionals:

Standard contract formulas
Exempt (special) formulas for infants and children with special needs
Medical foods for children and women with special needs