women, infants & children: a brief history

WOMEN, INFANTS & CHILDRENA Brief History

What is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,

Infants & Children (WIC)?

WIC is a federally funded program.

It provides supplemental nutrition for the nation’s most nutritionally

vulnerable women, infants & children.

Why was WIC created?

In 1969, a group of physicians met with policy makers in Washington

D.C. at the Whitehouse Conference on Hunger.

At this meeting, MDs expressed their concern regarding their low-

income, pregnant patients who were coming in their offices with

high risk pregnancies.

Many of these issues could be resolved through adequate

nutrition.

These physicians agreed that these mothers & their children could

benefit from supplemental food & nutrition guidance.

By 1972, WIC was created.

Who qualifies for WIC?

1. Pregnant women.

2. Women who have been breastfeeding for less than one year.

3. Women who are less than 6 months postpartum.

Infants – 0-1 years old.

Children up to 5 years of age.

Participants must also have a household income below 185% of

the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines.

Or participate in an adjunctively eligible program such as SNAP

(formerly known as Food Stamps).

How is supplemental

nutrition provided?

Supplemental nutrition is provided in the form of checks or on an EBT

card.

Clients are able to use these checks/EBT cards at WIC approved

vendors.

WIC clients cannot purchase any food that they please.

Clients must purchase foods that have been specially determined to meet their specific nutrition needs.

But WIC is much more

than supplemental food product.

WIC encourages breastfeeding and provides breastfeeding education

& support for its participants.

Because breast milk is the best thing for baby.

WIC also provides

referrals to healthcare.

And WIC provides nutrition education for its clients.

In other words, WIC helps to save lives by improving the nutritional

status of its clients thereby providing hope for a brighter

future for all participants.

WIC = A Great Program