**Prenatal WIC Benefits:**
* **Nutritious Food Package:**
* Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
*Whole grains (bread, cereal, brown rice)
*Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
*Meat, poultry, fish (or vegetarian alternatives like beans)
* **Health and Education Services:**
*Nutritional education and breastfeeding support
*Referrals to healthcare providers and other community resources
*Access to prenatal care and childbirth classes
* **Supplements:**
*Iron
*Calcium
*Vitamin D
* **Additional Benefits:**
*Breast pump and supplies (for breastfeeding mothers)
*Vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets
*Support groups and peer mentors
What Do You Get From WIC While You’re Expecting?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides healthy foods and nutrition education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age 5.
If you’re pregnant and eligible for WIC, you can get a variety of benefits, including:
- Healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and cheese
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to other health and social services
The amount of food you get from WIC each month depends on your income and family size.
Classes on Nutrition and Health
WIC also offers free nutrition and health classes to pregnant women and new mothers.
- These classes can help you learn about:
- Healthy eating habits
- Meal planning
- Breastfeeding
- Your baby’s growth and development
| WIC Food Benefits for Women | |
|---|---|
| Food Item | Amount per Month |
| Milk | 2 gallons |
| Cheese | 5 pounds |
| Eggs | 2 dozen |
| Cereal | 18 ounces |
| Peanut butter | 16 ounces |
| Canned fish | 12 ounces |
| Dried beans | 6 pounds |
| Fresh fruits and vegetables | $25 vouchers |
Breastfeeding Support and Counseling
WIC offers comprehensive breastfeeding support and counseling to help mothers successfully breastfeed their babies. This support includes:
- Individual counseling and education on breastfeeding
- Group support and classes
- Access to lactation consultants
- Breast pumps and supplies for mothers who need them
WIC staff are trained to provide evidence-based breastfeeding information and support. They can help mothers with latching techniques, troubleshooting common breastfeeding problems, and maintaining a healthy milk supply.
Table: WIC Breastfeeding Support Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Individual counseling | One-on-one support and guidance on breastfeeding |
| Group support | Classes and support groups for breastfeeding mothers |
| Lactation consultants | Access to certified lactation consultants for specialized support |
| Breast pumps and supplies | Provision of breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies |
WIC’s breastfeeding support services are designed to help mothers breastfeed successfully and meet the nutritional needs of their babies.
What Do You Get on WIC While Pregnant?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to eligible pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5.
Foods You Get on WIC While Pregnant
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Beans
- Peanut butter
- Cereal
- Whole wheat bread
- Fresh fruit
- Vegetables
- Juice
Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Support
- One-on-one nutrition counseling
- Group nutrition classes
- Breastfeeding support and education
- Information on healthy eating habits
- Recipes and meal planning tips
Referrals to Other Health and Social Services
In addition to providing food and nutrition education, WIC can also refer you to other health and social services, such as:
- Prenatal care
- Well-child checkups
- Immunizations
- Housing assistance
- Job training
- Child care
Eligibility for WIC While Pregnant
To be eligible for WIC while pregnant, you must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Income | Your family’s income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. |
| Residency | You must live in the United States. |
| Pregnancy | You must be pregnant. |
How to Apply for WIC While Pregnant
To apply for WIC while pregnant, you can contact your local WIC clinic or visit the WIC website at www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
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