WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDRENThe special supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as the WIC Program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care.
WIC at a Glance Population served The WIC target population are low-income nutritionally at risk:
The following benefits are provided to WIC participants:
MORE INFORMATIONTo apply for WIC benefits, you must visit a WIC agency near you.
For additional assistance finding a WIC agency, please contact TEL-LINK at 1-800-TEL-LINK or 1-800-835-5465. WHAT BENEFITS DOES WIC OFFER? The WIC program provides breastfeeding support, nutrition education, referrals to appropriate health agencies, and nutritious foods for eligible applicants. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE WIC BENEFITS? WIC serves pregnant women, non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after delivery or termination of the pregnancy), breastfeeding women (up to 1 year after delivery as long as they are breastfeeding the baby), infants from birth up to 1 year of age, and children up to their 5th birthday. All applicants must meet income guidelines. Individuals who meet income and category guidelines will be assessed for nutritional risk factors during the certification process. |
BACKGROUNDHistory
WIC saves lives and improves the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children. The results of studies conducted by FNS and other non-government entities prove that WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs. Since its beginning in 1974, the WIC Program has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful Federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States. Collective findings of studies, reviews and reports demonstrate that the WIC Program is cost effective in protecting or improving the health/nutritional status of low-income women, infants and children. The following highlights some of the findings. CONTACTFor more information contact your local WIC agency or the state services:
WIC and Nutrition Services Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services PO Box 570 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570 Telephone: 573-751-6204 or (toll-free) 800-392-8209 Fax: 573-526-1470 Email: [email protected] |