WIC is an investment program that saves healthcare dollars through primary prevention and nutrition intervention. This savings reduces the cost of hospitalization, special education, and supplemental income for disabled children, with most of the savings in the first year of life.
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Manual breast pumps or an electric breast pump loan program are available as needed by mothers enrolled in WIC.įor those mothers unable to breastfeed or choosing not to breastfeed, FDA-approved artificial baby milk is provided for the baby's first year. WIC's Circle of Care for nursing mothers offers a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program and the expertise of a Lactation Consultant to encourage and support mothers in their decision to breastfeed. The food package tailored for the individual client is loaded onto the EBT card at the WIC office during certification and nutrition education follow up appointments.īreastfeeding is recognized as the best bonding and nutritional choice for mothers and infants. The specific nutrient-dense foods assure adequate protein, iron, calcium, vitamins and minerals are selected for increased demands of growth and development.Ĭlients purchase the foods at WIC authorized retailers using a WIC FL-Wise EBT card. WIC Provides Nutritious Foods and Breastfeeding Support: The WIC Program provides vouchers for nutritious foods including milk, juice, cereal, cheese, yogurt, eggs, peanut butter, beans, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and baby foods purchased at authorized stores. Licensed Nutritionists and Nutrition Educators determine nutritional risk eligibility and provide nutrition assessment, counseling and education to assist families in making healthier nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle choices. Income guidelines are set at or below 185% of federal poverty level with a sliding scale for income based on the number in a household. WIC Program Overview: The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program is a premier public health nutrition program designed to improve the health of pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 through nutrition counseling and nutritious foods.įamilies are screened for income and nutritional risk eligibility.