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WIC - Participant Benefits

The WIC Program provides three types of benefits to all participants free of charge. This topic provides an explanation of all three types:

·             Supplemental nutritious food package

·             Breastfeeding promotion and support

·             Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics

·             Screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services

Supplemental Food Package

Most WIC State agencies provide food instruments (e.g., checks or vouchers) to participants who exchange them for supplemental foods at authorized retail outlets. The food instrument specifies the type and quantity of supplemental foods that can be purchased. Most participants periodically pick up their food instruments in person at the local agency or clinic every 1, 2, or 3 months. However, State agencies may issue the food instrument through alternative means, such as mailing or electronic benefit transfer (EBT). A few WIC State agencies distribute WIC foods through warehouses or deliver WIC foods to participants.

WIC food is high in one or more of the following nutrients: protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. These are the nutrients frequently lacking in the diets of the program's low-income target population. Such a lack may result in adverse health consequences.

The types of foods included in the WIC food package are chosen for their broad cultural and ethnic appeal, commercial availability, versatility in preparation and use, and administrative feasibility. The food package is supplemental; it is not intended to meet the total nutritional needs of the participants.

NOTE: The WIC program is designed to supplement Food Stamps (SNAP), and as a result, participation in the SNAP (Food Stamp) Program does not preclude a person from participating in WIC.

WIC foods include iron-fortified infant formula and infant cereal, iron-fortified adult cereal, vitamin C-rich fruit and/or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried beans or peas, tuna fish and carrots. Special infant formulas and certain medical foods may be provided when prescribed by a physician or health professional for a specified medical condition.

Different food packages are provided for different categories of participants. There are seven different food packages depending on the category of the recipient: (1) infants through 3 months, (2) infants 4 through 12 months, (3) children or women with special dietary needs, (4) children 1 to 5 years old, (5) pregnant and breastfeeding women (basic), (6) non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and (7) breastfeeding women (enhanced). Packages are tailored to the specific needs of each participant category. For example, breastfeeding women whose infants do not receive infant formula from WIC can receive an enhanced food package that includes canned tuna and carrots in addition to other WIC foods.

WIC regulations specify the maximum quantities of supplemental foods that may be prescribed to WIC participants. The authorized maximum monthly allowances of all WIC foods must be made available to participants if medically and nutritionally warranted. Local WIC agencies may tailor an individual’s food package based upon a participant’s nutritional or health status, their nutrition risk factors, and food restrictions, intolerances, and preferences.

Breastfeeding promotion and support

Research has shown that there is no better food than breast milk for a baby’s first year of life. Breastfeeding provides many health, nutritional, economical and emotional benefits to mother and baby. Since a major goal of the WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants, WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their infants. WIC has historically promoted breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice, unless medically contraindicated.

·     WIC mothers choosing to breastfeed are provided information through counseling and breastfeeding educational materials.

·     Breastfeeding mothers receive follow-up support through peer counselors.

·     Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers.

·     Mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants receive an enhanced food package.

·     Breastfeeding mothers can receive breast pumps, breast shells or nursing supplementers to help support the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.

Nutrition Education

WIC makes nutrition education available to all participants (or to the parents or caretakers of infant or child participants).

WIC regulations state that nutrition education should be designed to achieve two broad goals: (1) stress the relationship between proper nutrition and good health, and raise awareness about the dangers of using drugs and other harmful substances, and (2) assist the nutritionally at risk individual in achieving a positive change in food habits, resulting in improved nutritional status and in the prevention of nutrition-related problems through the optimal use of the supplemental foods and other nutritious foods.

Local WIC agencies are required to offer participants at least two nutrition education sessions during each 6-month period in either an individual or group setting. Individuals who do not attend the nutrition education activities are not denied the WIC food package.

Referrals to Health Care and Social Services

WIC was designed to serve as an adjunct to good health care during critical times of growth and development. Local WIC agencies assist WIC participants in obtaining health care and social services (such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid, immunization programs, TANF, etc.) either through onsite health services or referrals to other agencies.

See also

WIC - Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - Overview

WIC - Eligibility Requirements

WIC - Contact Information

Source

Information for this topic was drawn from:
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/fanrr27/
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FAQs/FAQ.HTM
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/aboutwic/wicataglance.htm

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