Rhode Island WIC
Last updated August 2026
Rhode Island WIC helps safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk. It is run by the RI Department of Health through local clinics. To apply, call the RI Department of Health Information Line at 401-222-5960 to reach a local clinic and set up an appointment, or start at health.ri.gov. A parent, grandparent, foster parent, or guardian can apply on a child's behalf.
WIC gives more than a food list. Benefits include one-on-one nutrition counseling, referrals to other services you may need, and a food prescription built around your needs and your child's specific needs. Staff also assess each participant's nutritional status so the food fits the child.
The income line is set by the federal WIC standard, which is 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, and it is revised each year. It is worth applying even if money is tight, since the program decides.
Breastfeeding parents get real support. When there is a medical need, or when a parent returns to work or school, WIC provides free hospital-grade electric breast pumps. That help can make the difference between stopping and continuing to breastfeed.
There is a fresh-food benefit too. Local WIC agencies provide farmers' market checks so qualifying clients can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at WIC-approved farmers' markets around the state. Ask your clinic when the season's checks are handed out.
Come to the appointment ready so one visit can finish enrollment. Bring identification, proof of where you live, proof of income, and the children you are enrolling. WIC adds to a grocery budget rather than replacing it, so a family can hold both WIC and SNAP, and a pregnancy is also a good moment to apply for Medicaid or RIte Care.
Phone 401-222-5960
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 Rhode Island and have a nutritional need
- Family income within the WIC guidelines; a parent, grandparent, foster parent, or guardian can apply on a child's behalf
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call the RI Department of Health Information Line at 401-222-5960 to reach a local clinic, or start at health.ri.gov.
- 2
Set up an appointment for you and any child you are enrolling.
- 3
Bring ID, proof of Rhode Island address, and proof of income.
- 4
Complete the nutrition assessment so staff can build your food prescription.
- 5
Ask about free breast pumps and farmers' market checks if they fit your family.
What to have ready
- Identification for you and any child you are enrolling
- Proof of Rhode Island address
- Proof of income for the household. Your local WIC clinic confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who can get WIC in Rhode Island?
Low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who live in Rhode Island and are at nutrition risk. A parent, grandparent, foster parent, or guardian can apply for a child.
What is the income limit?
The federal WIC standard is 185 percent of poverty, revised each year. The clinic checks your income and your nutrition needs at the visit.
What does WIC give me?
One-on-one nutrition counseling, referrals to other services, a food prescription for your needs, free hospital-grade breast pumps when there is a medical or work or school need, and farmers' market checks for fresh produce.
How do I apply?
Call the RI Department of Health Information Line at 401-222-5960 to reach a local clinic and set up an appointment, or start at health.ri.gov.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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