Arkansas WIC
Last updated August 2026
Arkansas WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under age five who meet income and residency rules. It provides supplemental foods high in the nutrients children need, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support and referrals. To apply, contact your local county health unit to schedule an appointment; the State WIC Office is 501-661-2508 or 1-800-235-0002.
The income line is 185 percent of the federal poverty level, revised annually. That is well above SNAP's cutoff, so a working family that does not qualify for food stamps may still qualify for WIC.
Here is the income shortcut: you can meet the income test through adjunctive eligibility by showing proof of Medicaid (including ARKids), TEA, or SNAP.
The program is more than food. It offers nutrition education to improve diet and health habits, plus information, support, and encouragement for breastfeeding, and referrals for other health services.
Come to the appointment ready. Bring identification, proof of residency, proof of income, and the children being enrolled, so one visit can finish enrollment.
WIC adds to the grocery budget; it does not replace it. SNAP carries the core food budget and a household can hold both, and a pregnancy is also the moment to apply for ARHOME or ARKids.
Phone 501-661-2508
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding people, and infants and children up to age 5, who live in Arkansas and have a nutritional need
- Family income within the WIC guidelines; being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TEA generally meets the income test
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Contact your local county health unit to schedule an appointment, or call 1-800-235-0002.
- 2
If you are on Medicaid, ARKids, TEA, or SNAP, you meet the income test through adjunctive eligibility.
- 3
Bring ID, proof of residency and income, and the children being enrolled.
- 4
Complete the nutrition visit to set up your benefits.
What to have ready
- Identification for you and any child you are enrolling
- Proof of Arkansas residency
- Proof of income, or proof of Medicaid, ARKids, TEA, or SNAP. Your county health unit confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for WIC in Arkansas?
Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 who meet residency rules and have income under 185 percent of poverty.
Do I need income proof if I am on other benefits?
Not separately. Showing proof of Medicaid (including ARKids), TEA, or SNAP meets the income test through adjunctive eligibility.
How do I apply?
Contact your local county health unit to schedule an appointment, or call the State WIC Office at 1-800-235-0002.
What does WIC provide?
Supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for other health services.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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