Virginia WIC
Last updated August 2026
Virginia WIC provides healthy food on an eWIC card, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health referrals. It serves people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or recently had a baby, and the caregivers of children under 5: mothers, fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians alike. Apply online at myvawic.org, call 877-835-5942, or contact your local health district; the state lists more than 35.
Notice who is on that list. WIC is not only for mothers. A father, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian raising a child under 5 can apply for that child. If you are raising a grandchild on a fixed income, this program is for your household too.
The income table runs through June 2026: $28,953 a year ($2,413 a month) for a household of one, $59,478 a year ($4,957 a month) for four, adding $10,175 per additional member. Count an unborn baby in your household size. A working family fits under these lines more often than people guess.
The certification appointment takes 30 minutes to an hour: height and weight checks, possibly simple bloodwork, and a nutrition conversation. First-time participants leave with an eWIC card that reloads monthly for use at authorized stores and commissaries. The appointment is the whole setup; there is no long wait after.
Breastfeeding parents get an extra layer: WIC's Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program pairs you with a mother who has been there, alongside the clinic's professional support. If nursing is the plan, or the struggle, say so at the appointment.
WIC adds to the grocery budget; it does not replace it. Virginia SNAP carries the core food budget and a household can hold both. A pregnancy is also the moment to apply for Cardinal Care Medicaid, and for food today, 2-1-1 finds the nearest pantry.
Phone 1-877-835-5942
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 Virginia 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
Apply at myvawic.org, call 877-835-5942, or contact your local health district.
- 2
Schedule the certification appointment; plan for 30 minutes to an hour.
- 3
Bring ID, proof of residency and income, and the child you are enrolling where required.
- 4
Leave with your eWIC card and use it at authorized stores.
What to have ready
- Proof of identity for you and any child you are enrolling
- Proof of Virginia residency
- Proof of income for household members. Your clinic confirms the exact list when you book.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for WIC in Virginia?
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or recently had a baby, plus mothers, fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians of children under 5, within the income guidelines and at nutritional risk.
What is the income limit?
Through June 2026: $28,953 a year for one person, $59,478 for a family of four, plus $10,175 per additional member. An unborn baby counts in household size.
Can fathers or grandparents apply?
Yes. Any caregiver of a child under 5, including fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians, can apply for that child.
What happens at the appointment?
A 30-to-60-minute visit with height and weight checks, possible bloodwork, and a nutrition conversation. First-timers leave with an eWIC card.
Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs and a household can hold both at once.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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