Iowa WIC Program

The WIC program in Iowa is handled by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Their job is to help promote, improve and protect the health of children and adults in the state. This includes managing Iowa WIC benefits and services. If you are looking to apply for the Iowa WIC program, or if you already receive benefits and need assistance, then use the WIC office contact number listed below.

Applying for Iowa WIC

If you live in the state and are looking to apply for IA WIC benefits, then you will need to contact your local WIC clinic or agency and schedule an appointment. Use the information below to contact the Iowa Department of Public Health to find a location near you. At your appointment the staff will determine if you are eligible. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements including categorical, residential, income and nutrition risk. For more details on these requirements, find out how to apply for Iowa WIC.

Transferring Iowa WIC Benefits

If you are currently receiving Iowa WIC benefits and plan on moving to a new city or out of state, you should be able to transfer your benefits to your new location. First, you need to contact your local WIC clinic or agency and inform the staff your plans to move. In most cases they will provide you with a Verification of Certification Card (VOC). This will help ensure a seamless and continued participation through the entirety of your certification period (The time you are receiving WIC). Once you have moved, the next step is to contact the WIC clinic or agency nearby at your new location and let them know you need to transfer your benefits. The VOC should have the contact information for the WIC clinic or agency at your new location.

Once you have moved, you will need to give them a valid VOC card. Your WIC benefits must be transferred and allow the participant to continue receiving benefits through the end of their current certification period, even if the participant does not meet the eligibility requirements at their new location. If the clinic or agency at your new location is at a maximum case load, they are required to put you at the top of the waiting list and make it a priority. If you still need help, please contact the Iowa Department of Public Health listed below.

Iowa eWIC EBT System

Originally, when receiving Iowa WIC benefits, you are given checks or vouchers each month that you would use to purchase WIC approved foods at your local grocery store. By the year 2020, states will be using eWIC for all participants. The eWIC system aims to replace paper checks and vouchers with a EBT (Electronic benefit transfer) card. This acts like a normal debit card. You would go to your WIC approved store and select the food items to purchase, and at check out you would give the cashier your IA WIC EBT card.

The cashier will then run it like a normal debit card and the system will automatically deduct the amount from your current balance. Also, each month instead of having to visit your local WIC clinic to pickup more checks/vouchers, the EBT system allows the state to refill your card eletronically each month. For more information about the IA eWIC system, for instance how to check balance on WIC card, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health listed below.

  • WIC Office Location

    321 E. 12th Street
    Des Moines, Iowa 50319
    Lucas State Office Building

  • WIC Office Phone Number

    You can contact the Iowa Department of Public Health at 800-532-1579 or 515-281-6650. You can fax them at 515-281-4913.

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WIC Office Hours Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Except on Federal Holidays
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