GBMS WIC Program is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children under 5. The program provides healthy supplemental foods and nutrition counseling to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under age five. The nationally recognized WIC program has an extraordinary 30 year record of preventing children's health problems and improving their long-term health, growth and development.
To assist eligible women, infants and children to achieve improved nutrition and health status by providing nutrition education, selected supplemental foods, and health referrals in a caring, supportive environment.
Who do GBMS WIC Serve?
Pregnant women
Pregnant & parenting teens
Infants & young children
Foster children
Working population
Hearing impaired
Homeless
Non-English speaking
Military families
Families receiving food stamps, temporary cash and medical assistance
Are you eligible for GBMS WIC?
You are eligible for GBMS-WIC if you...
Live Prince George's County
Are a pregnant woman or new mom, or have a child under 5 years old
Have a nutritional need and
Meet the income guidelines listed or receive food stamps, medical assistance, or temporary cash assistance.
See friend of GBMS WIC Chef Nadine Joyner and her bog on healthy cooking for Wal-Mart:
Income Guidelines
Income Eligibility Guidelines for Maryland WIC Program Benefits
Effective April 6, 2009
185 Percent of 2009 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
Family Size
Annual Income
Monthly
Twice-Monthly
Bi-Weekly
Weekly
1
$20,036
$1,669
$834
$770
$385
2
$26,955
$2,246
$1,123
$1,036
$518
3
$33,874
$2,822
$1,411
$1,302
$651
4
$40,793
$3,399
$1,699
$1,568
$784
5
$47,712
$3,976
$1,988
$1,835
$917
6
$54,631
$4,522
$2,276
$2,101
$1,050
7
$61,550
$5,129
$2,564
$2,367
$1,183
8
$68,469
$5,705
$2,852
$2,633
$1,316
For each additional family member add
+$6,919
+$577
+$289
+$267
+$134
*Revised 04/15/09
GBMS WIC Benefits
GBMS WIC participants enjoy benefits such as:
Nutrition education
Breastfeeding Support (Breastfeeding Peer Counselors)
Who is a peer counselor?
Women in the community with personal breastfeeding experience who provide information and support to other mothers.
“That’s what it’s all about…moms helping moms.” - WIC Peer Counselor
What Does A Peer Counselor Do?
Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers.
Helps mothers achieve their own breastfeeding goals.
Regularly contacts mothers during their pregnancy, during the early days of breastfeeding, and until the mother chooses to wean her baby.
Refers mothers with concerns outside the peer counselor’s scope of practice to appropriate lactation experts or healthcare professionals.
Refers non-WIC mothers to other community breastfeeding resources, if they are not eligible for WIC.
Is a role model for other WIC mothers.
Free healthy food
Referral to other health and social agencies
If you are eligible, you will receive nutrition information, referrals to other services, and checks to buy foods such as:
milk
infant formula
strained fruits and vegetable (baby food)
fresh, frozen and/or canned fruits and vegetables
100% fruit and/or vegetable juice
peanut butter
cheese
eggs
dried beans and peas
cereal
Whole wheat bread, brown rice and tortillas
Tuna for women who exclusively breastfeed
Soy milk and Tofu under certain circumstances (Effective January 2011)
How to Apply for WIC
Apply By Phone
You can apply for WIC by calling our local WIC agency. Please have your name, date of birth, address and phone number available. You can find a listing of local GBMS-WIC offices on our Contact Us page or by clicking here.
How to Transfer from Montgomery County or Prince Georges County Health Department WIC Program (In State Transfers)
If you are currently enrolled in any WIC program, whether it is in Maryland or another State, please call or visit your local WIC agency.
Out of State Transfers
The transfer process will be more efficient if you are able to bring a transfer form, known as a VOC, with you when you come for your WIC appointment. A VOC can also be faxed to one of the GBMS WIC offices. If your infant or child is using a special formula, we recommend that you bring notification from your previous WIC office or your Health Care Provider to make your WIC appointment more efficient.
