Top Five Things to Know When Applying for WIC in Memphis, Tennessee

There comes a time in everyone's life where they can use a little help. One of those times may be when you become pregnant or have just given birth. There is a nation-wide program known as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) that helps provide nutritional foods to pregnant women, infants, and children up to age five.

The WIC program is overseen by each individual state, so the guidelines vary slightly depending on where you live. I live in Tennessee and have received WIC off and on over the past five years. I live in Memphis and there are some things that you should know before going to the WIC offices in Memphis. Knowing these things can make your visit a lot more bearable.

1.) Make an appointment.

This may prove easier said than done. I have called the WIC offices here in Memphis and been told no appointment is necessary. While the WIC offices do take walk-ins, you will reduce your waiting time if you have an appointment. So, insist that you be given an appointment time before you go to the WIC office.

2.) Have all of your paperwork in order.

When you go to your WIC appointment, you will be required to have certain items with you. If you do not have these items, it will be a wasted trip. You must have proof of address, proof of income, shot records for your children, social security cards for each participant, and a driver's license or state issued ID. Your proof of address can be your deed to your home, rental agreement, or a utility bill. Be sure that you have complete shot records for each child that you will be getting WIC for. Make sure that you not only have your social security card, but also each child's social security card. Finally, make sure you have your current driver's license or state issued ID.

3.) Have your children with you.

This sounds like a simple thing, however many people get turned away at the WIC clinic because they didn't bring their children with them. Each child that is receiving WIC will have to be present in order for you to receive your vouchers. This is necessary so that the WIC office will be able to obtain current weight, height, and hematocrit for your child. Also, if your child is lacking shots, the WIC office can administer any missing vaccinations.

4.) Know what you ate.

While visiting the WIC office you will be required to see a nutritionalist. The nutritionalist's job is to make sure that you and your children are getting adequate nutrition. You will not only be asked what you ate the day before, but also what each child ate. If there is an area that you are lacking in (such as not getting enough vegetables in), the nutritionalist can help you figure out ways to make up for that lack. They will also provide you with guidelines for what each participate should be eaten. These guidelines are age specific and detailed.

5.) Be prepared to wait.

The WIC office is a very busy place. Not only do you have the people who insisted on appointments, but also the people who were walk-ins. Most offices will have a cut-off on how many people they can accept as a walk-in, but that doesn't really help a lot with the wait time. If you are being certified or re-certified, be prepared to wait at least four hours. If you are just picking up vouchers, be prepared to wait at least an hour. While the time will be shorter if you have an appointment, I would still prepare for the worst case scenario. To make the wait a little easier, I'd suggest making sure that older children are fed ahead of time. The WIC offices don't allow food and drinks except for infant's bottles. I would also pack a couple of small quiet toys or books for your children to play with. This will go a long way in helping your child wait.

Following these tips for going to the WIC office in Memphis, Tennessee will make you visit a little more bearable. You will get the help you need with less hassle and hopefully will have a pleasant experience.