Wic how does it work

Nutritional risk is determined by a health professional such as a physician, nutritionist, or nurse, and is based on Federal guidelines. This health screening is free to program applicants. WIC state agencies are not required to use all of the nutritional risk criteria on the new list.

FNS will update the list of criteria, as necessary, when new scientific evidence shows, after review by FNS and other health and nutrition experts, that the condition can be improved by providing WIC program benefits and services. For the first 5 months of FY , states reported average monthly participation over 6.

In , the first year WIC was permanently authorized, 88, people participated. By , participation was at 1. Average monthly participation for FY was approximately 7. Children have always been the largest category of WIC participants. Of the 6. In addition, some states issue an electronic benefit card to participants instead of paper checks or vouchers. Different food packages are provided for different categories of participants. Soy-based beverages, tofu, fruits and vegetables, baby foods, whole-wheat bread, and other whole-grain options were recently added to better meet the nutritional needs of WIC participants.

WIC recognizes and promotes breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition for infants. For women who do not fully breastfeed, WIC provides iron-fortified infant formula.

Special infant formulas and medical foods may be provided when prescribed by a physician for a specified medical condition. If WIC cannot serve all the eligible people who apply for benefits, so a system of priorities has been established for filling program openings. For more detailed information on the Child Tax Credit, please go to childtaxcredit. The goal of the WIC Breastfeeding Support campaign is to equip WIC moms with the information, resources and support they need to successfully breastfeed.

WIC serves about half of all infants born in the United States. Breadcrumb Programs WIC. The WIC program aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. WIC Serves. Health and social service resources. Immunization screenings. Tips on healthy eating. Dried or canned beans.

Infant formula and medical foods. Fruits and vegetables. State Agency Directory Online Services.