Kansas WIC Benefits for Single Mothers: The No‑Fluff 2025 Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, scan‑friendly guide to getting and using WIC in Kansas if you’re a single mom (or any caregiver with a child under 5). Every dollar amount, rule, phone number, and deadline below is pulled from official state or federal sources published in 2024–2025 and verified for Kansas.

---

Quick Help Box

• Apply now (online pre‑application): Use the Kansas WIC pre‑application tool. A local clinic will call you to set up your appointment. Start the Kansas WIC pre‑application (official KDHE link from For Families page). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Find your nearest WIC clinic and phone number: Use Kansas’s official statewide directory. Search the Kansas WIC clinic directory and call to schedule. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• State WIC office (Topeka) – help if you can’t reach your local clinic: 785‑296‑3683. Kansas Department of Health & Environment — Nutrition & WIC Services. (coronavirus.kdheks.gov)
• Income limit (effective May 1, 2025, 185% FPL): Example monthly limits: household of 2 = $3,261\ast \ast ,3=\ast \ast$4,109, 4 = $4,957. Full chart below. Kansas WIC Income Eligibility Chart (PDF). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Monthly fruits/veggies benefit (CVB) through Sept 30, 2025: child = $26\ast \ast ,pregnant/postpartum=\ast \ast$47, breastfeeding = $52. USDA FY 2025 WIC CVB amounts. (fns-prod.azureedge.us)
• What foods can I buy? Kansas keeps an official list and wallet card. See Kansas WIC Approved Foods and the food card. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Breastfeeding help (state program): Ask for a WIC Peer Counselor at your clinic, or contact the state program at 785‑296‑3683. Kansas WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• If you can’t get an appointment quickly: Federal rules require most applicants be processed within 10–20 days depending on risk level. Ask for an expedited appointment if pregnant or at special nutritional risk. Details below. [7 CFR §246.7 processing standards]. (law.cornell.edu)

---

What this guide covers that most search results miss

• The exact Kansas income chart effective May 1, 2025 (not last year’s figures).
• The current USDA fruit/veggie cash amounts for FY 2025 (through Sept 30, 2025).
• Real monthly food package quantities in Kansas (milk, cereal, eggs, beans, etc.), with official PDFs.
• Direct phone numbers for the largest county WIC programs (so you don’t hunt for them).
• Federal timeframes (10–20 days) if you’re being told to wait months.
• Updates that matter at checkout (2025 Kansas APL changes, how to scan with WICShopper).
• Clear Plan B options (SNAP, KanCare, food banks, diaper banks) if WIC isn’t enough.

This information is sourced to official KDHE and USDA pages and local health departments and was verified for September 2025. (kdhe.ks.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us, content.govdelivery.com, law.cornell.edu)

---

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (print or screenshot)

---

Exactly what you can get each month in Kansas

These are Kansas‑specific WIC food packages and monthly amounts, pulled from KDHE’s official PDFs. Fruit & veggie cash (CVB) follows the USDA FY 2025 amounts shown below.

Monthly fruit & veggie benefit (CVB), FY 2025

Source: USDA FY 2025 memo (effective Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025). (fns-prod.azureedge.us)

Women’s food packages (Kansas)

Official KDHE package PDFs. (kdhe.ks.gov)

Notes:

• If you’re expecting twins/triplets, the amounts may be higher; ask your clinic. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Some substitution and package choices can vary by breastfeeding status and baby’s age per Kansas WIC rules. (kdhe.ks.gov)

Children’s food packages (Kansas)

Official KDHE child package PDFs. (kdhe.ks.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If an item is rejected at checkout, scan it with the free WICShopper app and ask the cashier to try again. Kansas updated its Approved Product List on May 5, 2025 (organic eggs and some natural peanut butter brands removed), so scanning matters. (content.govdelivery.com)

---

Kansas WIC income limits (effective May 1, 2025)

Use gross income (before taxes). If you’re pregnant, count each unborn baby as an additional household member.

Source: Kansas WIC Income Eligibility Chart (CRT 06.01.00), effective May 1, 2025. (kdhe.ks.gov)

Reality check:

• Being on SNAP, TANF, or KanCare (Medicaid Title XIX) can make you automatically income‑eligible; the clinic still checks nutrition risk (they’ll do height/weight and may do a quick finger stick to check iron). (jocogov.org, kdhe.ks.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your income is slightly above the limit, still ask the clinic to review — some income types don’t count and there are rules for variable/self‑employment income. If you’re denied, ask for the reason in writing and about appeal rights (WIC fair hearing). (law.cornell.edu)

---

Eligibility rules (Kansas)

• You live in Kansas and are pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months if not breastfeeding), breastfeeding (up to baby’s 1st birthday), an infant, or a child under 5.
• You meet the income chart above (or are adjunctively eligible via SNAP/TANF/KanCare).
• A WIC professional finds a qualifying nutrition risk (measured at your appointment).

Source: KDHE “For Families”; federal WIC certification rules. (kdhe.ks.gov, law.cornell.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re told to “wait” due to full schedules, federal rules say clinics must act within 10–20 days (faster for pregnant women/special risk). Politely cite “7 CFR §246.7(f)” and ask for an expedited slot or a waiting‑list placement with priority. (law.cornell.edu)

---

How to apply (fast)

• Complete the Kansas online pre‑application (takes ~5–10 minutes). A local clinic will call you to schedule. Start here (official). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Or call your county WIC clinic directly (see county phones below) and ask for the “soonest new WIC appointment.” If pregnant, say that up front.
• Bring the required documents: ID, proof of Kansas address, and income for everyone in the home. KDHE checklist. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Expect a short health/nutrition screening (height, weight, iron if needed) and a chat with a dietitian. Most first appointments are around 30–60 minutes; some clinics can do parts by phone. (jocogov.org)
• If eligible, your benefits are issued right away to your eWIC card, and you can shop the same day. (law.cornell.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Missing a document? Ask about a temporary 30‑day certification if you can provide 2 of the 3 required proofs now (ID, address, income). You’ll get up to one month of benefits while you finish paperwork. (fns.usda.gov)

---

Application checklist (bring these)

• Proof of identity (driver’s license, photo ID, passport, KS Medicaid card, school ID). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Proof of ID for each child (birth certificate, immunization record, Medicaid card, foster/adoption papers). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Proof of Kansas residency (recent mail with your address, utility bill, rent receipt, official letter). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Proof of household income for everyone in the home (recent pay stubs, self‑employment tax form, KanCare/SNAP/TANF notices if applicable). (kdhe.ks.gov)

Pro tip:

• If you forget something, ask the clinic whether they can temporarily certify you and let you upload or bring the missing proof within 30 days. (fns.usda.gov)

---

Realistic timelines you can expect

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re told to wait more than the federal timeframes, ask to speak with the clinic supervisor and mention 7 CFR §246.7(f), or call the State WIC office (785‑296‑3683) for help. (law.cornell.edu, coronavirus.kdheks.gov)

---

Where to apply: major Kansas WIC offices (quick contacts)

Use the statewide directory to find every clinic. Here are direct lines for the largest counties. (kdhe.ks.gov)

If your county isn’t listed, use the official Kansas WIC directory and call your local program directly. (kdhe.ks.gov)

---

Shopping with eWIC in Kansas: how to avoid headaches

• Download the free WICShopper app (scan items in the store to confirm “Kansas WIC Approved”). Kansas has over 340 authorized grocery stores statewide that accept WIC. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Always check your last receipt or the app to see what you have left this month. Your CVB and food benefits are monthly; don’t wait until the last day to spend them. (If you have questions about expiration or card issues, call your clinic; they can deactivate and replace a lost card.) (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Know the 2025 product changes: as of May 5, 2025, Kansas removed organic eggs and some natural peanut butter brands from the Approved Product List to manage costs. Scan items before you get to the register. (content.govdelivery.com)
• Use the official Kansas “What Can I Buy with the Fruits & Vegetables Benefit” flyer for what counts (fresh herbs are allowed; salad kits with dressing/cheese are not). (kdhe.ks.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If the register says “not WIC approved” but the app says it is, ask the cashier to rescan and verify the store has downloaded the latest APL, or try a different brand/size. If it keeps happening, tell your clinic and note the store, date, and item. (content.govdelivery.com)

---

Breastfeeding support (free help you can actually reach)

• Ask your clinic for a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (local moms trained to help — evenings/weekends often available). State program contact: 785‑296‑3683. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Wichita/Sedgwick County: dedicated peer counselor lines — Clifton 316‑660‑7185; Main 316‑660‑7321; IBCLC 316‑660‑7429 / 316‑660‑7381 (tele‑lactation times listed). (sedgwickcounty.org)
• Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition: statewide resource directory to find local support, classes, and hotlines. Find breastfeeding support near you. (ksbreastfeeding.org)
• La Leche League groups (free peer support) operate across Kansas and KC metro. Find LLL support. (lllusa.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t reach a peer counselor, ask your clinic for the Designated Breastfeeding Expert contact, or use the Kansas directory above to find an IBCLC in your county. (fns.usda.gov)

---

Common mistakes to avoid (and quick fixes)

• Showing up without documents (ID, address, income). Fix: call ahead and ask exactly what they accept; if stuck, request a temporary 30‑day certification while you gather the last item. (kdhe.ks.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• Not counting your unborn baby in your household size when pregnant (that may raise your income limit). Fix: tell the clinic you’re pregnant and how far along you are; bring any proof you have.
• Waiting too long to use the monthly fruits/veggies (CVB) or food benefits. Fix: shop weekly and check your balance in the app/receipt so nothing expires unused. Use the Kansas foods flyer if you’re unsure. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Buying an item that used to be eligible. Fix: the APL updates; always scan with WICShopper before you put it in the cart. (content.govdelivery.com)
• Skipping appointments. Fix: call if you need to reschedule; ask about doing parts by phone if transportation is hard (many clinics allow some phone appointments). (jocogov.org)
• Losing your eWIC card. Fix: call your clinic right away; they can deactivate and replace it. Keep your PIN safe — the state’s Rights & Responsibilities remind you to secure your card/PIN. (kdhe.ks.gov)

---

Real‑world examples (so you can ballpark your benefits and eligibility)

• Wichita mom with a 2‑year‑old, pregnant with her second. Household = 3 (count pregnancy). Gross monthly income $3,800\ast \ast .KansasWICincomelimitfor3is\ast \ast$4,109 — she’s income‑eligible. Monthly CVB: child $26\ast \ast +pregnantmom\ast \ast$47 = $73 fruits/veggies. She’ll also get milk, cereal, eggs, beans/PB, and whole grains per the pregnant/child packages. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Kansas City, KS caregiver (grandma) with a 4‑year‑old. Household = 2. Income $2,900\ast \ast /mo.Limitfor2is\ast \ast$3,261, so eligible. Monthly CVB = child $26 plus the standard child food package (milk, cereal, eggs, beans/PB, grains). She calls 913‑573‑6720 and gets an appointment this week. (kdhe.ks.gov, wycokck.org)
• Topeka mom, breastfeeding a 3‑month‑old; not getting formula from WIC. She gets the “exclusively breastfeeding” package: $52 CVB, 6 gallons milk, 2 dozen eggs, 30 oz canned fish, plus cereals, beans/PB, whole grains. (kdhe.ks.gov)

---

If WIC isn’t enough: Plan B options in Kansas

• SNAP (Food Assistance): Apply with Kansas DCF online or call 1‑888‑369‑4777; SNAP can be used alongside WIC. DCF Application for Benefits. (dcf.ks.gov)
• KanCare (Medicaid): Apply online; pregnant women and kids often qualify. Hotline 1‑800‑792‑4884. Apply for KanCare. (kancare.ks.gov)
• Food banks: Kansas Food Bank runs mobile pantries in Wichita and statewide partners. Kansas Food Bank monthly mobile distribution schedule. (kansasfoodbank.org)
• Diaper help: HappyBottoms serves KC metro (KS/MO). Get diapers — HappyBottoms or call Wyandotte County partners at 913‑573‑6734. (happybottoms.org, wycokck.org)
• Tribal households: In northeast Kansas, some tribal citizens may also qualify for the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) through Prairie Band Potawatomi or Iowa Tribe programs. Contact Prairie Band FDPIR 785‑966‑2718 or see USDA contacts. (fns.usda.gov)

---

Diverse Communities: tailored tips and resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your clinic to match you with a Peer Counselor comfortable with your family structure. Kansas WIC trains a range of counselors and lists a Designated Breastfeeding Expert for complex needs. The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC) has inclusive resources and local group links. (kdhe.ks.gov, ksbreastfeeding.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for a disabled child: Request reasonable accommodations (longer appointments, quiet rooms). KanCare may cover durable medical equipment, transportation, or home‑ and community‑based supports. (kancare.ks.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Ask about VA care and local lactation support; KBC maintains provider directories and employer support toolkits that can help with pumping at work/school. (ksbreastfeeding.org)
• Immigrant/refugee moms: You can apply if you live in Kansas and meet income/risk rules; US citizenship is not required for you to ask about WIC for eligible kids in your care. Bring any ID/residency proof you have. (For SNAP and other programs, DCF has multilingual help.) (dcf.ks.gov)
• Tribal citizens: Use Kansas WIC plus tribal food resources if available. Prairie Band Potawatomi FDPIR (785‑966‑2718) and Iowa Tribe FDPIR (785‑595‑3291) operate in northeast Kansas. (fns.usda.gov)
• Rural moms with limited access: Many clinics offer phone appointments for parts of the process; ask for remote options and the nearest satellite clinic day in your county’s listing. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Single fathers and other caregivers: Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and guardians can apply for eligible kids under 5. Your household income and the child’s nutrition risk are what matter. (jocogov.org)
• Language access: KDHE provides content primarily in English with some Spanish; clinics can assist if Google Translate isn’t accurate. Ask your local clinic for language support. (coronavirus.kdheks.gov)

---

Approved foods, stores, and app tips

• Kansas’s official “Approved Foods” page lists exactly what brands/sizes are allowed and links to the wallet card and What Can I Buy with the Fruits & Vegetables Benefit one‑pager (includes herbs and canned/frozen options allowed). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Use WICShopper to scan items. If an item suddenly doesn’t work, it may have been removed from the APL (for example, organic eggs and several natural PB brands were removed on May 5, 2025). Scan first. (content.govdelivery.com)

---

10 Kansas‑specific FAQs

• Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
  Yes. Many families use both. Being on SNAP (or KanCare/TANF) can make you automatically income‑eligible for WIC; you still need the WIC nutrition screening. (jocogov.org, kdhe.ks.gov)
• What if I can’t find a brand that scans as approved?
  Check the Kansas “Approved Foods” list and scan with WICShopper. If the store hasn’t downloaded the newest APL, ask them to try again or choose another brand/size. (kdhe.ks.gov, content.govdelivery.com)
• How fast should the clinic process my application?
  Federal rule: high‑risk (including pregnant) applicants in 10–15 days; others in 20 days from your first request. If you’re told to wait longer, ask for an expedited appointment. (law.cornell.edu)
• What if I don’t have every document today?
  Ask for a temporary 30‑day certification if you have 2 of the 3 (ID, address, income). You’ll get up to one month of benefits while you complete the file. (fns.usda.gov)
• Do Kansas benefits include whole grains I actually eat?
  Yes. Kansas follows USDA’s 2024 food package updates adding more culturally inclusive whole grains and substitutions. Your clinic can tailor your package. (fns.usda.gov)
• Where can I get in‑person breastfeeding help in Wichita?
  Sedgwick County lists peer counselor lines: Clifton 316‑660‑7185, Main 316‑660‑7321, IBCLC 316‑660‑7429 / 316‑660‑7381. (sedgwickcounty.org)
• What does my child actually get every month?
  Kansas posts simple one‑page charts (milk, cereal, eggs, beans/PB, grains, juice, CVB). Ages 2–5 get 4 gallons milk, 36 oz cereal, 2×64 oz juice, 1 dozen eggs, beans/PB, 32 oz grains, plus $26 CVB. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Can clinics do phone appointments?
  Many do for parts of the visit. Johnson County says appointments can be in‑person or by phone; ask your county. (jocogov.org)
• What if my eWIC card is lost?
  Call your clinic to deactivate and replace it; keep your PIN private. (KDHE Rights & Responsibilities reminds you to secure your eWIC card/PIN.) (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Do Kansas WIC benefits cover canned/frozen fruits and vegetables?
  Yes — the Kansas flyer shows what counts for your CVB (fresh, frozen, canned; some exclusions like salad kits with dressing). (kdhe.ks.gov)

---

Resources by region (selected)

• Kansas City metro (Johnson & Wyandotte): Johnson County WIC 913‑826‑1302 / 913‑477‑8330; Wyandotte County WIC 913‑573‑6720. Johnson County WIC • Wyandotte WIC. (jocogov.org, wycokck.org)
• Wichita/Sedgwick County: WIC 316‑660‑7444; program info and class links on county site. Sedgwick County WIC. (sedgwickcounty.org)
• Topeka/Shawnee County: WIC 785‑251‑5607. Shawnee County WIC. (snco.gov)
• Lawrence/Douglas County: call/text 785‑856‑5350. LDCPH WIC. (ldchealth.org)
• Manhattan/Riley County (incl. Ft. Riley): 785‑776‑4779 (Manhattan), 785‑240‑7019 (Ft. Riley). Riley County WIC. (rileycountyks.gov)
• Other counties: use the official Kansas WIC directory to find direct phone numbers near you. (kdhe.ks.gov)

---

Quick tables you can use

Table: Your first steps (do this in order)

Table: FY 2025 monthly fruits/veggies (CVB) amounts

Source: USDA FNS Policy Memo for FY 2025 CVB amounts. (fns-prod.azureedge.us)

Table: Kansas WIC income limits (monthly)

Source: KDHE Income Eligibility Chart effective May 1, 2025. (kdhe.ks.gov)

Table: What a Kansas child (2–5) gets each month

Source: Kansas child package PDF. (kdhe.ks.gov)

Table: Where to call (largest counties)

---

Reality checks, warnings, and pro tips

• WIC isn’t “everything you need” — it’s supplemental. You’ll still buy some food out‑of‑pocket. Use WIC first, then SNAP or your own funds. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Policies are updating through 2026 under USDA’s 2024 final rule. Expect more whole‑grain options and small tweaks as Kansas implements changes. (fns.usda.gov)
• If you’re told to “come back in two months,” cite the federal processing timelines and ask for an earlier slot or a different clinic in your county. 10–20 days is the standard. (law.cornell.edu)
• Keep your eWIC card and PIN secure; call your clinic immediately if the card is lost or damaged so they can replace it. (kdhe.ks.gov)

---

What to do if something goes wrong

• Can’t schedule or facing a long delay? Call your clinic supervisor, then the State WIC office (785‑296‑3683). (coronavirus.kdheks.gov)
• Think you were treated unfairly? Kansas has a WIC Civil Rights complaint form. Ask your clinic for the link or file through KDHE’s WIC forms center. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Food won’t scan? Check APL updates and use the Approved Foods card; ask a different cashier or store if needed. (content.govdelivery.com, kdhe.ks.gov)

---

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE), USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and established local health departments and nonprofits cited above. We follow our published editorial standards for primary sourcing, link archiving, and prompt corrections. Editorial Standards: How we research and update guides. This editorial standards page was last updated August 2025. (asinglemother.org)

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

Found something outdated? Email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll review within 48 hours.

---

Disclaimer

• Program amounts, income limits, product lists, and clinic procedures can change mid‑year. Always verify details with your local Kansas WIC clinic or the State WIC office (785‑296‑3683) before you shop or apply. This guide is informational and not legal advice. (coronavirus.kdheks.gov)
• Health and nutrition are sensitive topics. For urgent concerns (bleeding, severe pain, feeding issues, dehydration), call your clinician, 911, or the 988 Lifeline as appropriate.
• Site security note: when you use online forms or portals we link (KDHE, DCF, KanCare), you are using those agencies’ secure systems—not ours. Keep your personal data safe by closing public browser sessions and never sharing your eWIC PIN.

---

Sources (selected, verified Aug–Sept 2025)

• Kansas WIC For Families (how to apply; documents to bring; pre‑application link). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• Kansas WIC Income Eligibility Chart (effective May 1, 2025). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• USDA FY 2025 CVB amounts (children $26;pregnant/postpartum$47; breastfeeding $52). (fns-prod.azureedge.us)
• Kansas WIC Food Packages PDFs (women & children monthly quantities). (kdhe.ks.gov)
• KDHE Approved Foods + What You Can Buy with CVB flyer. (kdhe.ks.gov)
• 2025 Kansas APL changes (organic eggs, some natural PB removed). (content.govdelivery.com)
• Federal processing standards and certification rules (7 CFR §246.7; temporary 30‑day certification guidance). (law.cornell.edu, fns.usda.gov)
• Local clinic contacts: Johnson, Wyandotte, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Douglas, Riley. (jocogov.org, wycokck.org, sedgwickcounty.org, snco.gov, ldchealth.org, rileycountyks.gov)
• Kansas WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program; Sedgwick breastfeeding resources; KBC directory. (kdhe.ks.gov, sedgwickcounty.org, ksbreastfeeding.org)
• DCF SNAP application; KanCare application; Kansas Food Bank and HappyBottoms. (dcf.ks.gov, kancare.ks.gov, kansasfoodbank.org, happybottoms.org)

If you need anything else—like a printable checklist or help calling your nearest clinic—tell me your county and I’ll tailor the next steps for you.

---

🏛️More Kansas Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Kansas

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery