Overview
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is one of the most effective and widely used federal nutrition programs in the country. Free to qualifying families, WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and connections to other services for pregnant women, new parents, and children under five. WIC children enter school better prepared to learn and show stronger cognitive development, the evidence behind this program is decades deep.
In Benton and Franklin Counties, WIC is delivered through two local agencies: the Benton Franklin Health District (BFHD) and Tri-Cities Community Health (TCCH). Both serve the same population with the same federal program just choose the location most convenient for your family.
Who It’s For
WIC serves:
- Pregnant people (any trimester)
- Postpartum women (up to 6 months after giving birth, or up to 12 months if breastfeeding)
- Breastfeeding parents (up to baby’s first birthday)
- Infants from birth through their first birthday
- Children from age 1 through their fifth birthday
Participation is based on household income and a nutrition or health risk, which most families with young children will meet. If you think you might qualify, apply: WIC’s threshold is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, which covers a wide range of working families.
What WIC Provides
Monthly food benefits
WIC benefits are loaded onto a Washington Quest Card (EBT) and can be used at participating grocery stores and farmers markets. Benefits vary by participant category and include:
- Milk, cheese, and eggs
- Whole grain bread, tortillas, brown rice, and breakfast cereal
- Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Peanut butter and dry beans or peas
- Infant formula (for babies who are not breastfed)
- Baby cereal and jarred baby food (for infants 6 months and older)
WIC checks are valued at approximately $50 per month per participant, a meaningful supplement to a family’s grocery budget.
Nutrition and health services
- Nutrition assessments and individualized education
- Health screenings (height, weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin)
- Breastfeeding counseling and support — including peer counseling programs
- Referrals to health care, social services, and community resources
- Connection to other programs including Basic Food (SNAP), First Steps/Maternity Support Services, and Apple Health
For Families Navigating Disability Services
If your family includes a pregnant person, new parent, or young child, WIC is often one of the easiest benefits to access, it doesn’t require DDA or DVR eligibility and has a straightforward income-based application. WIC also connects families to First Steps Maternity Support Services and developmental screening referrals, which can be the first step toward early intervention services for children with developmental concerns.
Tri-Cities WIC Locations
Benton Franklin Health District (BFHD)
Kennewick Office (Main)
7102 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 460-4202
Cell: (509) 820-9132
Kennewick — West Side Location
5929 W. Metaline, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 460-4202
Pasco Office
412 W. Clark St., Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 460-4203
Cell: (509) 820-8821
Hours: Contact the office to confirm current hours and schedule an appointment.
BFHD WIC Overview | Apply for Benefits | Breastfeeding Peer Counseling
Tri-Cities Community Health (TCCH)
Richland
761 Williams Blvd., Richland, WA 99352
Phone: (509) 543-8550
Pasco
715 W. Court St., Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-1859
Basin City
6950 Road 170, Basin City, WA 99343
Phone: (509) 269-4115
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
For breastfeeding peer counseling through TCCH: (509) 543-1432
TCCH WIC Overview | Make an Appointment
How to Apply
- Contact your nearest WIC location by phone to schedule an appointment — or use the Washington State WIC Interest Form to request information online
- Bring to your appointment: photo ID, proof of Washington residency, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters), and your child’s immunization records if applying for a child
- A WIC staff member will complete a brief health screening and nutrition assessment to confirm eligibility
- If eligible, you’ll receive your Washington Quest Card loaded with your first month’s benefits before you leave
WIC Interest Form — Washington State DOH | Find a WIC Location — WA DOH
FAQ
Does WIC work alongside Basic Food (SNAP) benefits?
Yes, and the two programs are designed to complement each other. If you receive Basic Food, you likely qualify for WIC. If you receive WIC, you should also ask about Basic Food. The two cover different food items and together provide much more complete grocery support than either alone.
Can fathers, grandparents, or foster parents apply for WIC on behalf of a child?
Yes. Any legal guardian or person with custody of an eligible child can apply for WIC on that child’s behalf.
I already had my baby, am I too late to apply?
No. Postpartum women qualify for WIC for up to 6 months after giving birth (or up to 12 months if breastfeeding), and children qualify through their fifth birthday. Apply as soon as you learn about the program, don’t wait.
Does WIC affect my SSI or disability benefits?
No. WIC benefits are not counted as income for SSI purposes and do not affect SSI eligibility or payment amounts.
What if I don’t speak English?
Both BFHD and TCCH provide interpreter services. Washington’s WIC program is available in multiple languages, let the office know your language preference when you call.
Can WIC benefits be used at the Tri-Cities Farmers Market?
Yes. Washington WIC benefits can be used at participating farmers markets, including local markets in the Tri-Cities. Ask your WIC office for a list of participating vendors.
