WIC - Women, Infants and Children

WIC Cookbook

WIC is a food and nutrition program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Michigan Department of Community Health.   The program is designed to help correct or prevent malnutrition in low income pregnant and breast-feeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children up to 5 years old who are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition.  Local agencies, such as Health Departments and non-profit organizations, deliver WIC benefits to participants. 

WIC help to correct or prevent malnutrition in low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants and children up to 5 years old who are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition.

WIC Provides

• FOOD:  Nutritious foods are provided to supplement and help improve the diet.  Women and children may receive milk, cheese, eggs, juices rich in Vitamin C, cereals rich in iron, and dry peas/beans or peanut butter.   Infants may receive iron-fortified infant formula and, after three months of age, infant cereal and infant juice.  Participants receive coupons which they may redeem for food at retail stores throughout Michigan which are authorized to accept WIC coupons.
• NUTRITION EDUCATION:   Nutrition education is offered to all WIC participants or their caregivers.   Common topics include nutrition during pregnancy, encouragement for breast feeding, nutrition during childhood, and wise food shopping.
• REFERRALS:  An added benefit of the WIC program is screening for other health problems and referral to other appropriate health and social services.  These referrals may be for Medicaid, Food Stamps, immunizations, child health screening, family planning and more.
• PROJECT FRESH: WIC (Women's Infants & Children supplemental food program) in conjunction with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the State of Michigan sponsors "PROJECT FRESH"!

Who is Eligible for WIC?
Those eligible to receive WIC are pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who have recently had a baby, infants from birth to 12 months, and children from 1 to 5 years who are also:

• Residents of the State of Michigan

• Income eligible (at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines or on Medicaid or food stamps).

• Determined by clinic staff in local agencies to be at nutrition and/or health risk.

What Are the Nutrition and Health Risks?
Some typical health risks are:  low blood iron or anemia, too much or too little weight gain (for pregnant women and children), poor diet, chronic disease, and developmental disabilities.

Other health risks include pregnant women under 17 years old, over 34 years old, and women who have had past problems during pregnancy or who have been pregnant within the past 12 months may also be at risk.

What Does WIC Cost?
WIC services are free to applicants and participants.

Is WIC Effective?
Yes!  WIC is a proven effective health care program.  Evaluations of WIC show that:

• WIC helps pregnant women see physicians earlier and receive timely prenatal care.
• WIC improves pregnancy outcome by providing or referring to support services necessary for full term pregnancies.
• WIC participation improves the diet of pregnant women and improves the length of pregnancy and infant birth weight.
• WIC participation reduces infant mortality by reducing the incidence of low birth weight infants (under 5½ pounds).  Low birth weight infants are at greater risk for breathing problems, brain injuries, and physical abnormalities.
• WIC significantly reduces anemia among preschool children.
• WIC children are better immunized and more likely to have a regular source of health care.

How Can I Find Out More About WIC?
If you're a resident of Marquette County, contact the Marquette County Health Department at (906) 475-7846.  To find the phone number of the WIC clinic nearest you, call, 1-800-26-BIRTH (1-800-262-4784).

Last UPdate:  05 March 20068