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WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered in Florida by the Department of Health. Service provided by the Pinellas WIC Program include the following:

1. WIC checks for Healthy Foods
2. Nutrition Education and Counseling
3. Breastfeeding Support
4. Referrals for Health Care.

The Pinellas County WIC work closely with other agencies and Pinellas County Health Department divisions such as:

• Healthy Start/Healthy Families
• Immunization
• Lead Intervention
• Disease Control
• Florida KidCare
• Domestic Violence

Pinellas WIC operates from five main centers (10kb pdf) and over seven satellites (10kb pdf). WIC also provide bedside certification at Bay Front Hospital . Pinellas WIC utilizes aggressive advertising and marketing strategies to reach most of the eligible population. Currently, Pinellas WIC provides services to over 12,000 participants each month. Each applicant must meet all Federal eligibility requirements. Checks issued from all our sites are redeemable at our participating local vendors. At the three largest Pinellas WIC centers (St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, and Clearwater Health Departments), we have made available a new system call Check Express to reduce wait time. To find out how you may qualify for WIC in Pinellas County, please dial any of our local telephone numbers (10kb pdf) for more Information and our representative will be happy to assist you.

Participation in WIC saves the public and private health care dollars by improving the health and nutrition of women, infants and children. WIC has been proven to improve the diets of pregnant and postpartum women and children. It has also been shown to reduce the incidence of low birth weight, infant mortality and anemia among WIC participants.

Who Is Eligible?

1. You must be a pregnant Woman, or a woman who has recently been pregnant, a breastfeeding mother, an infant, or a child under five years of age.
2. You must meet certain income guidelines
3. You must live in Florida
4. You must have a nutrition-related need, which will be determined by WIC staff.

You could be eligible if you or other family members are currently receiving Medicaid, WAGES, or Food Stamps. However, you do NOT have to be on a public assistance program to qualify for WIC.

Before eligibility is completed, WIC staff will verify your Gross Household income. You need to bring proof of household income so that the staff can determine your eligibility.

Checks Express:

The WIC express is a faster way to check out when picking up checks only. It is designed for participants who have completed all the required paper work to pick up checks. The average check out time at these stations is about five minutes. This process saves our participants time, especially those who are working and may use part of their lunch hour to pick up their checks.

Breastfeeding and Lactation Consultation:

The Pinellas WIC program provides breastfeeding support and Lactation Consultation with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Some of the services are:

• Breast pumps
• Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
• Lactation Consultation

Breast pumps are available for qualified breastfeeding mothers. The breastfeeding support staff will determine if you are qualified for services. Prenatal Breastfeeding classes, lactation consultation, and breast pumps, are available through the St. Petersburg office at (727) 824-6997 for appointments and program information.

Where to Get Certified for WIC and Pick Up Checks (10kb pdf)

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