Since its inception in 1974, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has provided quality nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthcare, and other referral services to nearly 7 million women and infants and children through 10,000 WIC clinics nationwide. Check out these fast facts about WIC!
1. Your child may still be WIC eligible.
Your baby can still qualify for WIC benefits, even after they turn one! Children can be eligible until the age of five! Call your local agency to find out more, or visit www.signupwic.com.
2. You get more than just food benefits at WIC.
When you participate in the WIC program, you receive free breastfeeding support, nutritional counseling, health screenings, and many different resources to support you and your family.
3. WIC benefits are easy and convenient to access.
Most WIC agencies nationwide have switched to e-WIC. In many states, participants can use a WIC mobile app to scan food packages to see if it is WIC eligible, check their future appointments, and locate WIC vendors, all with their smartphone.
4. WIC provides support to breastfeeding moms.
WIC provides support to breastfeeding moms through our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program, where pregnant and new moms can talk to other moms who understand what they are going through. However, not all WIC agencies have this program. So, if you want to become a WIC peer counselor, contact your local WIC clinic office to learn more.
5. WIC partners with local farmers' markets.
Every spring and summer, WIC rolls out farmer's market vouchers for participants to enjoy farm-fresh and locally sourced produce. Please call your local WIC agency if you have any questions or inquiries about the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.