CAPK WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Last updated August 2026
WIC gives free healthy food, nutrition help, and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. In Kern County, CAPK runs it. You don't have to be the child's mother: dads, grandparents, and foster parents caring for a young child can apply too.
The first call to (866) 327-3074 sets everything up. Staff ask about the household (who's pregnant, children's ages, income) and book you at the office nearest you. Plan for the appointment to be more than a signature; WIC enrollment generally includes a short health and nutrition check. Ask exactly what paperwork to bring when they schedule you. Identity, address, and income are the usual categories, and staff will tell you what counts for each one.
Getting that first appointment is the slow part. Once you're enrolled, benefits load on a regular cycle and you shop with them like anyone else. If weekdays are impossible, the third-Saturday opening each month exists for exactly that reason.
WIC feeds the under-5 crowd; it doesn't carry the whole household's groceries. CalFresh (Food Stamps) does that, monthly, on an EBT card. And if you're pregnant without health coverage, Medi-Cal enrolls pregnant women at higher income limits than most adults, so it's worth applying even if you assumed you earn too much.
Phone (866) 327-3074
Hours Mon–Fri 8am–5pm (Wed 9am–6pm); 3rd Saturday of each month
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Pregnant or recently pregnant women
- Infants and children under age 5 (including foster children)
- Caregivers of young children may apply on their behalf
- Income-qualified; many working families qualify
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call (866) 327-3074 to get started.
- 2
Office hours: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm (Wednesday 9am–6pm), plus the third Saturday of each month.
- 3
Ask what to bring when they book your appointment; they'll list exactly what counts.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Can working families get WIC?
Many do. Income limits apply, but don't rule yourself out. Call (866) 327-3074 and ask. WIC makes the final decision.
When is CAPK WIC open?
Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm, except Wednesday, when it's 9am–6pm. They also open the third Saturday of each month, which helps if you can't get away on weekdays.
Can a grandparent or foster parent apply for a child?
Yes. Caregivers of children under 5, including foster parents, can apply on the child's behalf.
Does being on CalFresh or Medi-Cal help me qualify for WIC?
Yes. Households already on CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs cash aid meet WIC's income test automatically. Say so when you call and that part of enrollment gets simpler.
What does WIC actually provide?
Free healthy food, one-on-one nutrition help, and breastfeeding support. It's an ongoing benefit while your child is under 5, not a one-time box.
How long until benefits start?
The wait is mostly for that first appointment, since enrollment happens through it. Call early, and take the third-Saturday slot if weekdays don't work.
Can I get WIC and CalFresh at the same time?
Yes. They're separate programs and they stack. CalFresh carries the household's groceries on an EBT card; WIC adds food and support specific to pregnancy and children under 5. Apply for both.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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