Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Food Packages

• WIC food packages are prescribed for each certified participant on the program and are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• A CPA (usually a registered dietitian or registered nurse) works closely with each participant and tailors each food package to improve the diets and health of women and children.
  • Pregnant women are less likely to have low birth weight babies, infants develop better, and children are less likely to have iron deficiency or other health problems.
• One debit-like card is issued per family (or per foster child) that will have all the benefits for the family members who are certified on the WIC program. This card is used to purchase healthy foods each month at participating stores.

Nutrition and Health Education

• Nutrition & health education is an essential part of the WIC program. It is offered quarterly throughout a 1-year certification period.
  
  • Prenatal nutrition
  • Breastfeeding
  • Infant feeding at the breast and/or bottle
  • Solid food introductions around 6 months of age
  • Meal planning
  • Shopping on a budget
  • Feeding kids and dealing with strong food preferences or aversions
  • Much more!
• These appointments are meant to promote healthy food choices and to help learn the relationship between nutrition and health.
• Education may be completed as part of a group, individually, or online!
• WICHealth.org  is a great way to do nutrition education on one’s own time and to satisfy the education appointment
  • Contact us for help to create an account online

Breastfeeding  Education and Support

• WIC highly advocates for breastfeeding whenever possible and offers support through the following services:
  • Peer counselor program
    • This is support from another mother in the community who has successfully breastfed
  • Lactation counselor
    • This is support from a Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE) who can guide one through the complexities of breastfeeding that can occur
• Breastfeeding aids (including breast pumps)
• Preparation during pregnancy for breastfeeding after birth
• Connection to other breastfeeding resources and experts in the community

Referrals and Service Information

• WIC aims to connect individuals to medical care services, health insurance coverage, growth and development programs, and more
• Routine referrals may include, but are not limited to:
  • Immunizations
  • Substance abuse counseling
  • Smoking cessation
  • Dental care
  • Family planning
  • Pediatricians & well-child exams
  • Car seat safety
  • Other food assistance programs
  • and much more!