Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal assistance program that provides nutrition education, healthy food, and support services to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk. The program is designed to improve the health and nutrition of women and children who may not have access to adequate food or nutrition education.

WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered by state and local agencies. To be eligible for WIC, individuals must meet income guidelines and be determined to be at nutritional risk by a health professional. WIC participants receive an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase specific foods that are high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.

In addition to providing healthy food, WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services. Nutrition education includes information on healthy eating, meal planning, and budgeting. Breastfeeding support includes lactation counseling and education, breast pumps, and other breastfeeding supplies.

WIC is an important program that helps vulnerable women and children access the nutrition and support they need to stay healthy. WIC has been shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce rates of anemia and iron deficiency, and improve the overall health and nutrition of participants.

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