Fueling Kosciusko, Miami, & Wabash Counties: How the WIC Program Supports Local Families

Raising young children or preparing for a new baby is one of life’s most rewarding journeys—and one of its most demanding. Between managing grocery budgets, staying on top of check-ups, and ensuring early development stays on track, extra support can make all the difference.

For families throughout Kosciusko, Miami, and Wabash Counties, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves as a vital community resource. Operated locally through Cardinal Services, WIC offers far more than monthly grocery assistance—it provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and connections to essential community resources.

What Does WIC Actually Provide?

While WIC is best known for helping cover monthly food costs, it offers a comprehensive support system tailored for mothers, infants, and young kids:

• Nutritious Food Packages: Monthly electronic benefits cover specific, nutrient-dense staples like fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, whole grains, milk, baby foods, and formula.
• Personalized Nutrition & Health Screenings: Certified nutritionists offer personalized dietary advice, growth tracking, and health screenings.
• Lactation & Breastfeeding Support: Expectant and new mothers receive one-on-one lactation guidance, access to peer counselors, and expanded food packages.
• Community & Healthcare Referrals: The local team connects families with immunizations, pediatricians, health insurance, and local social services.

Did You Know? The Kosciusko County WIC clinic also serves as an official Milk Depot for The Milk Bank. Approved donors can drop off extra breast milk locally, which is pasteurized and sent to hospital NICUs to support fragile newborns across Indiana.

Who is Eligible for WIC?

WIC is designed to support growing families during the critical early years of development. You may qualify if you meet four key requirements:

1. Categorical: You are pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months after delivery), breastfeeding (up to 1 year), or caring for an infant or child under the age of 5. (Note: Single fathers, foster parents, and legal guardians with children under 5 are also eligible).
2. Residential: You live in Indiana.
3. Income: Household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet the financial guidelines.
4. Nutritional Risk: A brief health screening by a health professional (done for free at the WIC appointment) assesses basic nutritional needs.

Tips for Getting Started With WIC

Getting set up with WIC in Indiana is designed to be seamless:

• Download the INWIC App at INWIC Mobile App | Indiana WIC: Indiana WIC offers an official mobile app that lets you check benefit balances, locate approved local stores, and scan food UPC codes in the aisle to see whether an item is covered before checkout.
• Gather Your Documents: For your first clinic appointment, bring proof of identity (photo ID), proof of address (utility bill or pay stub), proof of income (or proof of Medicaid/SNAP participation), and immunization records for your child.

Taking advantage of programs like WIC ensures that local children get the strongest possible start in life. If you or someone you know could benefit, reach out to one of the clinics to schedule an initial intake appointment.

To learn more, visit our WIC page at WIC Program – Cardinal Services and follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/warsawWIC