Jackson County Department of Public Health

WIC FAQ

WIC FAQ

What happens if I run out of food or formula?

The WIC Program is considered a supplemental food and nutrition program which means the amounts of food provided help add to your diet and groceries but are not meant to be everything you need.  It is not possible for WIC to provide more than the maximum food or formula set by government regulations.  WIC cannot give any emergency foods or formula.  If you find that you or your family need more help getting food or formula, remember food stamps/EBT/SNAP benefits can be used to purchase formula and other healthy foods.

To apply for food stamps, go to Jackson County Department of Social Services or click here.  Other places in Jackson County that can help provide food include:

How do I shop for WIC Foods?

WIC participants are allowed to get any approved food listed in the most up-to-date North Carolina WIC Program Shopping Guide.  These guides are available from any WIC staff at any time and are updated periodically.  Only grocery stores who have signed a contract with the NC WIC Program are allowed to take your eWIC Card; all WIC approved grocery stores have the NC WIC Program Shopping Guide available also.  Shelf tags that show “WIC Item” or “WIC approved” are not required and may not be correct.  It is best practice to refer to the NC WIC Program Shopping Guide for all questions regarding what is a WIC approved food, including size and brand. The NC WIC Program Shopping Guide is also available online.

If a you are having problems redeeming your eWIC benefits in the store, you can ask to speak with customer service while in the store. WIC also encourages participants to reach out to our agency WIC program and report problems redeeming WIC benefits. Reports from WIC participants will be kept anonymous and the store in question will be informed of the issue.

What if I can't keep or miss my appointment?

When you cannot keep an appointment or miss your appointment there are a few things that you may do:

  • The sooner you know you will be unable to keep your appointment, please call so a new appointment can be given. If you miss your appointment, please call as soon as possible to make a new appointment. The best number to call for a WIC appointment is 828-587-8243.

  • WIC now has the ability to offer in-person or telephone appointments. Contact the WIC office today for more information.

What if I am moving to a different county or state?

WIC benefits issued at any NC WIC program can be used anywhere in the state of North Carolina (NC).  If you plan to move to another town in NC outside of Jackson County, you can transfer your WIC benefits into that county, if desired.  If you still receive other services or work in Jackson County, you can also continue to keep getting WIC in Jackson County, if you prefer.  WIC programs are located in every county in NC, to get more information on a specific WIC location, please call the Jackson County WIC staff or look online at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/localWIC and select the county.

If you plan to move out of NC, you can find WIC in every state, some US territories and even overseas for military families on certain military bases. To make it easier to get your WIC benefits without interruption, contact the Jackson County WIC staff, before moving, and ask for a Verification of Certification (VOC) form.  Please remember that your eWIC Card issued by another state cannot be used in NC.
 

What is the best way to contact the WIC office?

WIC Program staff are not permitted to answer a phone call when another WIC participant is present and in the office.  This is done to protect your privacy as well as the person being seen in the WIC office.  Anyone who leaves a message does get called back, however, when calls are returned some calls are not answered, some callers do not have a voice mail box set up or the voice mail box is full which makes it impossible to leave a message.  Also, when no one answers, WIC staff will leave a message when attempting to return your call.  

WIC also has a texting platform in place now for clients to respond to texts about changing appointments. WIC also has a participant portal available to help participants have another way to manage their appointments. Call the WIC office for more information on how to get set up for these options.

If you are interested in enrolling in the WIC Program, you can also self-refer to the WIC Program by completing this form online, and someone will call you to schedule an appointment.

I want to breastfeed my baby, how does WIC help with breastfeeding?

WIC supports all families. Breastfeeding is a journey. There are ups and downs and feelings of accomplishments and frustration. WIC is here to help every step of the way, no matter what stage of the breastfeeding journey you're in.

WIC is always willing to help through education, listening to your breastfeeding experience, assistance and referrals. Enrolling in the WIC Program gives you and your baby access to WIC's breastfeeding services and supplies.

The breastfeeding food packages are designed to support the nutritional needs of a breastfeeding woman by providing more food. In addition to healthy foods, you and your baby are eligible for these services and supplies:

  • Breastfeeding Education:

    You may be asking yourself: What are the benefits of breastfeeding? How do I know that I am making enough milk? How do I know my baby is getting enough to eat? How can I breastfeed while going to work or school? Will breastfeeding take more time? Where can I go if I need breastfeeding help? WIC can help you with all of these questions, breastfeeding information and referrals.

  • Each local WIC Program has trained staff.  WIC staff are trained to provide hands-on care and assistance. Peer Counseling Peer counselors are parents just like you. They have breastfeeding experience and had many of the same questions that you may have. They also have extra training to help you get started with breastfeeding. Peer counselors can provide encouragement, support and assistance to you throughout your breastfeeding journey.

  • Supplies:

    WIC can provide your family with breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies.