It’s no secret that life as a military family can be challenging. Deployments, field exercises, specialty schools, unpredictable work and frequent moves can make raising a family more difficult. Still, some are surprised to hear 1 in 4 active-duty military families face food insecurity1. One proven way to address food insecurity is through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, more commonly known as WIC.
WIC is designed to help reduce food insecurity and provides eligible families with access to healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and many other benefits. Eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to age 5 all receive free nutritional support under WIC. Dads, grandparents and guardians caring for children in this age group are also welcome to apply on behalf of their young children. The program offers a vital lifeline to ensure children grow strong and families have the resources they need to thrive.
Despite WIC’s benefits, only 54%2 of WIC-eligible families in the United States are enrolled. Military families are particularly hesitant to enroll, sometimes due to common misconceptions. Here, we explore some common WIC myths so you can know the facts before visiting your local WIC office:
Myth 1: “Military families make too much to qualify for WIC.”
Fact: Many military families are eligible, even with a steady income from both parents.
The WIC income eligibility guidelines depend on family size and income, and special provisions are given to military families. For example, Basic Allowance for Housing is not counted in WIC income eligibility calculations. Some specialty pays are also not included. Military families who have relatives staying with them also have a higher likelihood of qualifying. The best way to see if you qualify is to visit your local WIC office with your most recent LES.
Myth 2: “If I enroll in WIC, I’ll be taking away benefits from families who need it more than me.”
Fact: Only about 54% of families eligible for WIC are enrolled.
It’s important to focus on meeting your family’s basic needs. Strong WIC participation rates help to support future federal funding. When more eligible families enroll in WIC, the community as a whole benefits. WIC participation supports your local community through sales at grocery stores and farmers markets and reduces health care costs.
Myth 3: “The military community will look down on me if they find out my family is enrolled in WIC.”
Fact: Enrolling in WIC is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of responsible decision-making.
Military families make numerous sacrifices, and access to proper nutrition should not be one of them. Military leaders emphasize ‘readiness’ as a top priority, and the well-being of families is crucial to achieving this goal. It’s why there is a growing effort to establish WIC offices on military installations. For example, Fort Bragg opened a WIC office on post in 2023. In two years, there have been over 10,000 visits to the WIC office from military families. Its success has led to other installations beginning the process of opening on-post WIC offices.
WIC protects your privacy, and your information is protected just like medical records – even in the checkout line. Most states use eWIC cards, so you can discreetly scan your benefits card.
Myth 4: “Isn’t WIC just bread, milk, eggs and cheese?”
Fact: WIC benefits include culturally relevant foods. While bread, milk, eggs and cheese are included in WIC benefits, your benefits include much more. Depending on eligibility, families may receive:
- Fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains, including bread, tortillas, rice and pasta
- Pantry staples such as peanut butter and cereal
- Baby food and infant formula
WIC benefits are designed to support a balanced diet. They can even be adjusted to accommodate allergies or specialized formula.
Myth 5: “We move too much to use WIC.”
Fact: WIC benefits can transfer with you.
If you move to a new duty station, your benefits can transfer with you. Let your current WIC office know you’re changing duty stations, and they can provide a handoff of your benefits (i.e., a Verification of Certification statement or transfer paperwork) to the WIC office closest to your new duty station.
Final Thoughts
Military families make countless sacrifices to serve our country, and being well-nourished should never be a question. Enrolling in WIC is an investment in your family’s future. Whether it’s to save money on groceries, improve your family’s health or gain access to an empowering and supportive community, WIC is here for you. Give your local WIC office a call today.
Blog Brigade unites military spouses by creating a community built on shared experiences and mutual support. Navigating the complexities of military life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Military OneSource offers valuable resources focused on well-being, readiness, and connection. Explore a range of nutrition and fitness resources and tools tailored to your needs.
Resources:
- Military Family Advisory Network (2023). Military Family Support Programming Survey 2023 Report. https://www.mfan.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MFAN-2023-MFSPS-Full-Report.pdf
- USDA WIC Eligibility and Coverage report (https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/wic/eer-2022)
- S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (2021). National- and State-Level Estimates of the USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC Eligibility and WIC Program Reach in 2021 (Summary). https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/wic-eligibility-report-summary-2021.pdf
Authors:
Whitney Nelson, Compliance Consultant, Fort Bragg Department of Public Health
David Gaviria, MPH, RD, Military Health Research Assistant, UNC Chapel Hill
Jennifer Green, DrPH, MPH, Director, Cumberland County Department of Health
Tamra Morris, MPH, Deputy Director, Cumberland County Department of Health
Krysta Gougler-Reeves, Project Director, UNC Chapel Hill
Hannah Prentice-Dunn, Administrative Director, UNC Chapel Hill
“The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Army, Defense Department or the U.S. Government.”
