Vermont WIC for Grandparents Raising a Grandchild

WIC is one of the easier benefit programs for kinship caregivers to access in Vermont, but many grandparents raising a young grandchild do not realize they can apply — or that the child may already qualify automatically.

What WIC Provides

The Women, Infants, and Children program provides monthly benefits for specific nutritious foods: infant formula, milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and more. For children under 5 living with a grandparent or relative caregiver, WIC covers foods that supplement the child's diet during critical growth years.

WIC also provides nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support (relevant if the birth mother is involved), and referrals to healthcare and social services.

Eligibility for Kinship Families

WIC covers children under age 5. Income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level — that is $50,542 per year for a family of three through June 30, 2027.

But here is what many kinship caregivers miss: children receiving Reach Up Child Only or 3SquaresVT are automatically income-eligible for WIC regardless of gross household income. If you have already been approved for either program, your grandchild qualifies for WIC without a separate income test.

You Do Not Need Legal Custody

Grandparents and relative caregivers can apply for WIC through a local Vermont Department of Health office; no court order is required to apply for a child in your care. Vermont WIC offers in-person, phone, and video appointments. For a remote appointment, follow the local office's instructions for sharing documents.

For an in-person eligibility appointment, bring:

• Yourself and the child applying
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Vermont address
• Proof of income, or proof of participation in Reach Up, 3SquaresVT, or another qualifying program

WIC appointments may include a growth and health assessment, including an iron check once a year, and a nutrition consultation. WIC also provides immunization referrals. The appointment itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you leave with your first month's benefits.

WIC clinics are located throughout Vermont in regional Department of Health offices. To find the nearest one, call Vermont WIC at 1-800-464-4343 or dial 211 for a referral.

WIC and Other Benefits Work Together

WIC does not reduce your 3SquaresVT benefits. The two programs are designed to complement each other — 3SquaresVT covers general grocery purchases, while WIC targets specific nutritional items. A child receiving both programs has food security covered from two directions.

If the child is under 5 and you have already applied for Reach Up Child Only and 3SquaresVT, adding WIC is a straightforward next step that takes one clinic visit.

Our Vermont Kinship Financial Help Guide covers the full stack of food and nutrition programs available to kinship families, including how WIC, 3SquaresVT, universal school meals, and SUN Bucks summer EBT work together.

See more Vermont guides →