What is WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
For those who qualify, WIC provides nutritious food at no cost, nutrition counseling, referrals for health care, breastfeeding support, and a list of grocery stores that will exchange WIC benefits for approved foods.
Positive Health Outcomes of Participating in WIC
- Reduced risk of premature births
- Reduced risk of low birth weight and very low birth weight infants
- Reduced risk of fetal and infant death
- Reduced risk of iron deficiency anemia
- Improved diet quality
- Increased access to regular health care