Eric: The WIC Program is available to eligible participants without regards to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To participate in the WIC program, you have to meet certain requirements. The program is available to:

•         A woman who is pregnant, just had a baby or is breastfeeding,

•         From birth up to five years old,

•         The family has to meet certain income requirements (both parents can work, but their income can’t go over the required amount), and they also must meet residency requirements.

The mother or the children must have an identified nutrition or health risk which may include, anemia (meaning low iron) or they might be underweight or overweight, expecting multiple births, have a history of problem pregnancies or inappropriate nutrition practices that fail to meet dietary guidelines.

Vanessa: So once someone qualifies, what kind of services does WIC provide?

Eric: You’re one step ahead of me. It’s great you want to learn this! WIC focuses on four major areas to enhance the health of mothers and children. To learn more about these areas click on the services tabs across the screen.

Eric: Nutrition Education – The WIC staff teaches WIC participants proper nutrition and how they can meet their nutrition goals.

Eric: Breast-feeding Promotion and Education – WIC encourages and provides support to mothers who choose to breast-feed their infants. Pregnant women are given information on the benefits of breast-feeding their infants.

Eric: Supplemental Food – WIC provides supplemental foods that are carefully selected to meet nutritional requirements. Participants receive food instruments that they take to an authorized WIC Vendor to purchase WIC approved foods.

Eric: Referrals – The WIC staff can assist participants by making referrals to medical services, immunization services, substance abuse counseling and treatment, Child Support Services, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System ( also known as AHCCCS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (or TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).