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1. How do I apply for WIC?

Applying for WIC is simple. You can call ahead to begin the process or walk-in to our New Bern or Havelock offices to apply. Depending on the availability, you may be seen that day to be added, or given an appointment to return to complete the application process with the nutritionist.

2. What are the income guidelines?

Income is determined by the total household gross income, not just the income of the parent. There are several factors counting toward income, so if you are unsure whether or not you will qualify, please stop by and we will determine whether you are eligible. The guidelines can be found on the North Carolina WIC website.

3. How do I add my new baby?

You will need an appointment in order to add your new baby to WIC, and get your updated food package. To ensure you get in as soon as possible after delivery, call at your earliest convenience, and tell us when you will be available to come in. You need to bring your infant to this appointment.

The staff will take all of your new baby information, including name, birth date, length, and weight. When you come in for the appointment, your baby will be added to the program, and you will receive an updated food package and postpartum/new baby nutrition education. Access the new baby add form. This will tell you what to bring, and who to call after you have your baby.

4. Do I have to be a Craven County resident?

No. We do take participants from surrounding counties, however; please be aware that all surrounding counties do have a WIC office, and we encourage you go there to receive WIC.

5. What is eWIC?

eWIC is an EBT card that you can use to purchase food benefits. The card will allow you the freedom to buy individual foods, as needed. You will be able to check your balance online and at the grocery store. If you have any questions about your eWIC please call the WIC office at 252-636-4920 ext. 2018. 

6. How long will I have to wait to get in for an appointment?

Our appointments at the New Bern office are same, or next day availability. Havelock appointments are within one week, depending on the appointment type.

7. How long will my appointment take?

Depending on the type of appointment and schedule, it could last over an hour. If you just need to receive food benefits, it should take less than 30 minutes. If you are adding a new baby, new child, or yourself to the program, it will be a longer appointment.

To help shorten the number of stops you have to make, bring a copy of your child's most recent measurements from the doctor. If they are less than 2 months old, we can use them to avoid having to measure your child.

8. What do I need to bring to my appointment?

This depends on the appointment. If you are coming to be added to the program, or a re-certification appointment you will need to bring:

• ID for you and your child (for the child, it can be a shot record, social security card, or insurance card)
• Proof of income (Medicaid card, paycheck stubs)
• Proof of residence (can be a bill or your drivers license)
• Your child

If you are coming for food benefits only, you will need your WIC booklet and your ID. You will not need to bring your child. If you are unsure what type of appointment you have, call us and we will verify it for you.

9. Do I need to bring my child to every WIC appointment?

No. We need to see your child for their certification, and re-certification appointments. If you are unsure if that is the appointment you have coming up, call us and we will tell you whether or not you need to bring your child.

10. What formulas does WIC provide?

WIC strongly encourages moms to breastfeed, however, some moms choose not, or cannot breastfeed. In these circumstances, WIC provides infant formulas. We have milk and soy based formulas that do not require prescriptions.

If your child cannot tolerate our contract formulas, we do provide alternative and specialty formulas with a prescription from your baby's doctor. If your baby's doctor feels they need a different formula, they need to complete our WIC prescription form. Craven County pediatricians have copies of these forms. If you would like a copy to take with you to the doctor, you can click here to access an electronic copy, or stop by our office, and we will give you one to take with you.

11. Which stores can I visit to use my eWIC?

New Bern

• Broad Mini Mart
• Harris Teeter in Carolina Pines
• Harris Teeter in New Bern
• Food Lion on Glenburnie Rd.
• Food Lion on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
• Food Lion in James City
• Piggly Wiggly on Simmons St.
• Piggly Wiggly on Tatum Dr.      
• Publix
• Wal-Mart on Martin Luther King Blvd
• Wal-Mart on Neuse Boulevard

Vanceboro

• Food Lion
• Kite's

Bridgeton

• Food Lion

Havelock

• Food Lion on Main Street
• MCAS Cherry Point Commissary
• Wal-Mart