WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal program that provides nutrition support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. WIC offers a variety of benefits, including nutritional counseling, breastfeeding support, and food vouchers that can be used to purchase healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and whole grains. WIC also provides access to health care referrals and other support services.
Healthier Choices for Families
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services to low-income families. WIC participants include pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.
The WIC food package includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods that are important for the health and development of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. These foods include:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Cereal
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
In addition to providing nutritious foods, WIC also offers nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy food choices and learn about the importance of a healthy diet.
WIC also provides breastfeeding support to help women who want to breastfeed their infants. WIC staff can provide information and support to help women get started with breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding for as long as they want.
WIC also offers referrals to health and social services to help participants access the care and services they need.
For more information about WIC, please visit the WIC website at www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
| WIC Food Package | Nutrient-Rich Foods |
|---|---|
| Milk | Calcium, vitamin D, protein |
| Cheese | Calcium, protein, vitamin D |
| Yogurt | Calcium, protein, vitamin D, probiotics |
| Eggs | Protein, choline, vitamin D |
| Cereal | Iron, fiber, vitamin B |
| Whole grains | Fiber, vitamin B, minerals |
| Fruits | Vitamin C, potassium, fiber |
| Vegetables | Vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber |
| Legumes | Protein, fiber, iron |
Supplemental Nutrition
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition assistance to eligible families and individuals. WIC provides a variety of supplemental foods to help pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under the age of 5 get the nutrients they need for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and childhood.
Here is a list of the supplemental foods that WIC provides:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
- Infant formula
- Breastfeeding supplies
The specific foods that you receive from WIC will depend on your age, gender, and health needs. For example, pregnant women receive more iron-rich foods than other WIC participants. Breastfeeding mothers receive more calcium-rich foods than other WIC participants.
In addition to supplemental foods, WIC also provides nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthy eating choices. WIC also provides referrals to other health and social services programs.
| Participant type | Foods provided |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women | Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, canned fish, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies |
| Breastfeeding mothers | Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, canned fish, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies |
| Children under the age of 5 | Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, canned fish, infant formula |
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a natural and rewarding way to feed your baby. WIC can help you get started and continue breastfeeding successfully.
- Breastfeeding peer counselors can provide one-on-one support and guidance.
- Breastfeeding classes can teach you the basics of breastfeeding and how to overcome common challenges.
- Breast pumps can be rented or purchased through WIC if you need to pump milk for your baby.
In addition to providing breastfeeding support, WIC also offers:
| Services | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Nutrition counseling |
|
| Supplemental foods |
|
| Health screenings |
|
| Referrals to other services |
|
What Do I Get With WIC?
The WIC program provides a variety of benefits to pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. These benefits include:
- Food vouchers to purchase healthy foods at authorized grocery stores
- Education and counseling on nutrition and healthy eating
- Breastfeeding support, including peer counseling and access to pumps and supplies
- Referrals to other health and social service programs
Education and Resources
WIC also provides a variety of educational resources and materials to help participants learn about nutrition and healthy eating. These resources include:
- Nutrition classes taught by registered dietitians
- Cooking demonstrations and recipes
- Handouts and brochures on a variety of nutrition topics
- Access to a registered dietitian for one-on-one counseling
WIC also provides a number of resources to help participants access other health and social service programs. These resources include:
- Referrals to health care providers, such as doctors, dentists, and mental health professionals
- Information about Medicaid and other health insurance programs
- Help with finding child care and other social services
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Food vouchers | Vouchers can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and eggs. |
| Education and counseling | Participants receive nutrition education and counseling from registered dietitians. |
| Breastfeeding support | Participants receive breastfeeding support, including peer counseling and access to pumps and supplies. |
| Referrals | Participants are referred to other health and social service programs. |
And there you have it! Whether you’re a new or seasoned WIC participant, I hope this has given you a better understanding of the benefits available to you. WIC is a valuable resource that can help you and your family get the nutrition you need to live a healthy life. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more helpful tips and updates on WIC!