South Carolina WIC Formulas

How WIC Formulas Are Determined

Formulas are created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and adapted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). They consider:

• Age and developmental stage
• Pregnancy or lactation status
• Average daily nutrient requirements
• Local food costs and availability

Each formula translates nutrient targets into a specific quantity of WICapproved foods, such as milk, cheese, eggs, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula.

Key Food Categories and Typical Allocations

Infants (012 months)

• Infant formula up to 2 cans (or the equivalent in readytouse packs) per month.
• Breast milk substitutes same amount as formula for mothers who are not nursing.

Children (14 years)

• Milk 1quart (946ml) per week.
• Cheese 2ounces per week.
• Eggs 1egg per week.
• Cereal 2servings per week (wholegrain preferred).
• Fruit 2servings per week (fresh, canned, or frozen).
• Vegetables 2servings per week.

Preschoolers (56 years)

• Milk 1quart per week.
• Cheese 2ounces per week.
• Eggs 1egg per week.
• Cereal 3servings per week.
• Fruit 2servings per week.
• Vegetables 2servings per week.

Schoolage Children (718 years)

• Milk 1quart per week (lowfat for ages 918).
• Cheese 2ounces per week.
• Eggs 2eggs per month.
• Cereal 4servings per month.
• Fruit 2servings per month.
• Vegetables 2servings per month.

Pregnant Women

• Milk 1quart per week (lowfat).
• Cheese 2ounces per week.
• Eggs 1egg per week.
• Fruit 2servings per week.
• Vegetables 2servings per week.
• Wholegrain cereal 4servings per month.

Lactating Women

• Milk 1quart per week (lowfat).
• Cheese 2ounces per week.
• Eggs 1egg per week.
• Fruit 2servings per week.
• Vegetables 2servings per week.
• Wholegrain cereal 4servings per month.

All quantities are based on a 30day month. Participants may receive slightly higher amounts if a clinic determines a special nutritional need.

How Benefits Are Issued

South Carolina uses an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card for WIC. The card is loaded with the calculated amount each month. Participants can shop at any authorized retailer that accepts the South Carolina WIC EBT card.

When checking out, the cashier will scan the items; the system automatically deducts the appropriate amount from the card. Items not approved for WIC are not charged to the card.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for WIC in South Carolina, applicants must meet all three of the following:

• Categorical: Must be a pregnant woman, a postpartum woman (up to 12months after delivery), a breastfeeding woman (up to 12months after birth), an infant (012months), or a child up to 5years of age.
• Income: Household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Some incomebased exceptions exist for participants receiving certain public assistance.
• Nutritional risk: A health professional must determine that the participant is at nutritional risk because of diet, health condition, or other factors.

Common Questions

Can I exchange foods for cash?

No. WIC benefits may only be used to purchase approved foods. Cash alternatives are not allowed.

What if I run out of benefits before the month ends?

Beneficiaries receive a set monthly amount based on the formula. If you use up your allotment early, you will have to wait until the next monthly reload. Contact your local WIC office if you consistently need more; they may reassess your nutritional risk.

Are there brand restrictions?

Retailers may stock multiple brands that meet the USDA specifications. You can choose any brand as long as it is listed in the stores WIC inventory.

Can I add additional foods?

Only foods listed in the South Carolina WIC food list are eligible. If you have a special medical need, discuss it with the WIC nutritionist; a supplemental food package may be authorized.

How often do I need to recertify?

Recertification occurs every 612months, depending on the participants category. Pregnant women typically recertify every 6months, while children may be recertified annually.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your WIC Benefits

• Plan your shopping trip using the official food list so you know which items qualify.
• Buy in bulk when possible many stores allow you to purchase a months supply of milk or cheese at once.
• Use the WIC app (available for iOS and Android) to track balance, locate approved retailers, and receive nutrition education.
• Combine WIC foods with SNAP or other grocery coupons to stretch your grocery budget.
• Attend the quarterly nutrition education sessions; they often include recipes that incorporate WIC foods.

Contact Information

If you have questions about your benefits, need a new EBT card, or want to schedule a nutrition counseling appointment, reach out to your local WIC office:

• Phone: 8007208502
• Email: wic@dhec.sc.gov
• Website: South Carolina WIC