WIC provides mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 with nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social service programs. The WIC food package includes items such as milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, cereal, fruits, and vegetables. WIC also provides vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. Nutrition education covers topics such as healthy eating habits, breastfeeding, and infant feeding. WIC also offers support for women who are breastfeeding, including access to breast pumps and lactation consultants. WIC is a federally funded program that is administered by state and local health departments.
Nutritional Assistance for Families
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides supplemental nutrition benefits to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
WIC provides a variety of nutritional assistance to eligible families, including:
- Food vouchers that can be used to purchase healthy foods at authorized grocery stores.
- Nutrition education and counseling.
- Breastfeeding support.
- Referrals to other health and social services.
The following table provides a summary of the foods that WIC provides to eligible participants:
| Participant Group | Foods Provided |
|---|---|
| Pregnant Women |
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| Breastfeeding Women |
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| Postpartum Women |
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| Infants |
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| Children 1-5 years old |
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WIC is an important program that helps to ensure that low-income families have access to the healthy foods they need to thrive.
Infant and Child Nutrition
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vital nutritional support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five.
WIC offers a wide range of nutritious foods to help meet the unique nutritional needs of each participant. Here’s a breakdown of what WIC provides for infants and children:
Infants (0-12 months)
- Infant formula
- Breast milk if you are breastfeeding
- Iron-fortified infant cereal
- Infant fruits and vegetables
- Infant meat or poultry
Children (1-5 years)
- Milk (whole or low-fat)
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Whole grains (bread, cereal, pasta)
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Eggs
- Juice
Additional Support
Beyond providing nutritious foods, WIC also offers a number of supportive services, including:
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to other health and social services
Breastfeeding Support
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides breastfeeding support to eligible families to help improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies. This support includes:
- Breastfeeding education and counseling
- Support groups and peer counseling
- Access to breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies
- Referrals to other resources, such as lactation consultants and support groups
WIC also provides breastfeeding-friendly foods to help support milk production, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Lean protein
- Whole grains
In addition, WIC staff can provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding, including:
- Improved health and development for babies
- Reduced risk of allergies, asthma, and other chronic diseases
- Enhanced mother-baby bonding
- Lower risk of postpartum depression
WIC Breastfeeding Support Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Breastfeeding education and counseling | WIC staff provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding, proper latch and positioning, and common breastfeeding challenges. |
| Support groups and peer counseling | WIC offers support groups and peer counseling to provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers to share experiences and learn from each other. |
| Access to breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies | WIC provides access to breast pumps, breast pads, and other breastfeeding supplies to help mothers pump and store breast milk. |
| Referrals to other resources | WIC staff can refer mothers to other resources, such as lactation consultants and support groups, to provide additional support and assistance. |
WIC: What You Get
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federally funded program that provides food, nutrition education, and health care referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5.
The types of food WIC provides vary depending on the age and nutritional needs of the participant. General food packages include:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
- Fruits and vegetables
- Infant formula
- Baby food
In addition to food, WIC also provides nutrition education to help participants make healthy food choices. Nutrition education topics may include:
- How to read food labels
- How to plan healthy meals
- How to cook healthy foods
- The importance of breastfeeding
WIC also provides health care referrals to participants. Health care referrals may include:
- Prenatal care
- Postpartum care
- Well-child care
- Immunizations
- Lead screening
WIC is a valuable program that provides food, nutrition education, and health care referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5. WIC can help participants improve their health and well-being, and can help children reach their full potential.
| Age Group | Food Package |
|---|---|
| Pregnant Women | Milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables, infant formula (if needed) |
| Postpartum Women | Milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables |
| Breastfeeding Women | Milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables, infant formula (if needed) |
| Infants | Infant formula, baby food, fruits and vegetables |
| Children (1-5 Years) | Milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables |
Thanks for sticking with me through this WIC deep dive! I hope you found the info you were looking for. Whether you’re a WIC newbie or a seasoned pro, remember that WIC is a valuable resource for families with little ones. So if you or someone you know needs a helping hand, don’t hesitate to check it out. And hey, drop by again soon—I’ll be here with more helpful stuff to share!