Maryland WIC Program

Food Assistance · Maryland · Free

Federally funded Maryland program providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food benefits to income-eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5 through local WIC clinics in every Maryland county. Fathers and other caregivers can apply on behalf of eligible children. Benefits load monthly onto an eWIC card for use at participating stores. Bring photo ID, proof of address, proof of income, and the child's birth certificate or immunization record to the first appointment.

Contact & Details

Address: WIC clinics throughout all Maryland counties

Phone: 1-800-242-4942

Hours: Varies by clinic; appointment required

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

More Food Assistance in Maryland

  • Maryland SNAP (Food Supplement Program) — Maryland's federally funded food assistance program helping eligible low-income individuals and families buy groceries. Benefits load monthl
  • Maryland Food Bank — Maryland's largest hunger relief organization, distributing groceries, fresh produce, and emergency food through a network of 1,200+ partner
  • Capital Area Food Bank (Southern MD/DC Suburbs) — Regional food bank serving Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and other DC suburbs through a network of partner food pantries, shelt
  • Feeding America - MD Food Banks — National hunger relief network whose Maryland members include the Maryland Food Bank, Capital Area Food Bank, and Community Food Bank of the
  • Moveable Feast (Baltimore) — Baltimore nonprofit providing free, medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to Marylanders living with HIV/AIDS, cance
  • myMDTHINK (Maryland Benefits Portal) — Maryland's unified online portal for applying to SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance, Temporary Disability Assistance, a

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.