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Texas WIC: free food, formula, and breastfeeding support

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program — not welfare, not a loan, and free to apply. If you're pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under 5, it may cover a meaningful chunk of your grocery and formula bill.

Who qualifies

  • Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers (baby under 1), non-breastfeeding postpartum mothers (up to 6 months), infants, and children under 5
  • Household gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (table below), or
  • Automatic qualification: if anyone in your household gets Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you skip income verification entirely — just bring proof of participation

A pregnant woman's household size increases by the number of infants she's expecting. You'll also need a nutritional-risk screening at your free certification appointment — most applicants meet at least one criterion.

Texas WIC income limits (Jul 2026 – Jun 2027)

Household sizeYearly maxMonthly max
1$29,526$2,461
2$40,034$3,337
3$50,542$4,212
4$61,050$5,088
5$71,558$5,964
6$82,066$6,839
7$92,574$7,715
8$103,082$8,591

Gross income before taxes. Each additional household member adds $10,508/year. Source: USDA via Texas WIC, effective Jul 1, 2026.

What you actually get

  • Infant formula for non-breastfeeding infants — this is the big one; see our formula cost ranking for what you'd otherwise pay
  • Food packages: milk, eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and more, loaded to an eWIC card
  • Breastfeeding support and counseling
  • Nutrition education and referrals to health services

How to apply in Texas

  1. Pre-screen at texaswic.org or call 1-800-942-3678 to find your nearest clinic
  2. Bring: photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs from the last 30 days) or proof of Medicaid/SNAP/TANF, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease), and your child's immunization records
  3. Same-day approval is typical if your documents are complete — benefits start immediately
Free, always. Federal rules prohibit any fee to apply for or participate in WIC. Income limits update each July — this page reflects the Jul 2026–Jun 2027 guidelines, researched Oct 2026.
Formula cost rankingAll parent guides