What Are My Rights?
Standards for eligibility and participation in the WIC program
are the same for everyone, regardless of race, color, national
origin , age, sex or disability. If you feel you have been discriminated
against, write immediately to:
Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
If you do not qualify for the WIC program or if you have been
suspended, you may appeal the decision by requesting a fair hearing.
In a fair hearing, you are given the opportunity to tell why you
think you were not treated fairly by the WIC program. You tell
your reasons to a "hearings officer" who does not work
for the WIC program. After listening to you and the WIC staff,
the hearings officer makes a decision that is based on the facts
and program rules. If you want a fair hearing, you should write,
call, or visit your local WIC office. The staff will help you
with your request. You can also write to:
Office of Public Assistance, Appeal Hearings
1317 Winewood Blvd., Building B, Room 442
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700
You should be treated courteously at the grocery store and the
store should handle your WIC purchases without embarrassing you
in front of other shoppers. If you have any problems at the store,
tell your local WIC office.
The WIC foods listed on the back of your check should be fresh
and in stock at the grocery store.
You do not have to give the store any money for buying foods with
your WIC checks. You may use store or food coupons to lower the
cost of your WIC foods.
You have the right to know what prices are being charged on your
checks so that you can be sure the store is not over-charging
the WIC program.
You have the right to be told when you or your child needs to
be recertified for the WIC program.
You may ask the local WIC office for permission to let someone
else pick up your WIC checks for you if you are unable to get
to the WIC office. This person can also buy your WIC foods for
you. He or she should be a relative or friend who helps you take
care of your children.
If you move to another county or state, you should contact the
local WIC office. They will help you continue to get WIC checks
for as long as you are eligible.
