The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children — commonly known as WIC — seeks to improve the health of low and moderate income families by providing access to nutritious foods and helping to develop healthy habits.
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The program is provided at no cost to eligible mothers (pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding), babies and children up to their fifth birthday.
The Daviess County Health Department received their contract for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 from the Department of Health and Senior Services. The contract runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, serving a caseload of 250. All health and nutrition priorities are being served. The health department also received two special breastfeeding grants. The Daviess County agency has one of the highest breastfeeding percentages in the state for WIC clients.
The health department has a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Angela Wayne. Angela is available for breastfeeding consultation by phone (660-663-5192). She also assists with WIC’s breast pump rental program. Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs for the first six months and reduces the risk of allergies, asthma, diabetes and certain childhood cancers.
Under new guidelines introduced in 2009, the WIC program increased the amount of food provided to mothers who breastfeed their babies full time to encourage women to breastfeed their babies for up to 12 months.
New food categories were also added to improve the nutritional value of the food options available. The changes are intended to better meet the needs of the wide range of WIC clients.
WIC clients can purchase whole grains and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.
Beginning at six months, all infants receive infant fruits and vegetables, while breastfed infants also receive infant meats.
Soy milk and tofu may be given as an alternative to milk, with medical documentation.
Canned beans are offered as an alternative to dry beans.
The amount of milk, eggs, juice and cheese is reduced for both women and children.
Juice is eliminated for infants.
The amount of infant formula is reduced for partially breastfed and older infants.
The improved food packages are lower in fat and cholesterol, higher in fiber and limit added sugar and sodium. The new options help participants improve their diet and maintain a healthy weight.
WIC services include nutrition education, counseling, screening and risk assessment, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care providers and social services agencies and food assistance.
To qualify for WIC, participants must: Visit a local WIC clinic to have their nutritional health status assessed by a health professional; Provide proof of identity and residence in Missouri;
Meet certain income requirements.
A family of four can qualify for the program with income up to $3,400 gross before taxes etc. are taken out.
WIC is funded by the USDA and administered by the Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior services. If you would like to apply or need more information, Please contact the health department at 660-663-2414 or toll free 866-663-2414. Located at 609 A. South Main, Gallatin, Mo., 64640. All services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis and the health department is an equal opportunity employer.