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What is WIC?
Background
How it works
Services offered
Funding
Staffing
Nondiscrimination Statement

What is WIC?

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a supplemental nutrition food program for infants, children under the age of 5, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and women who have had a baby in the last 6 months.  WIC helps families by providing healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to other health care agencies.

Background:

In 1972, the late Senator H. Humphrey and his colleague, Senator Clifford Case, introduced legislation to institute a nutrition intervention program for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children.  This program was called the special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children - The WIC Program.  WIC began in Nebraska in 1975.  WIC is a preventative program which provides nutrition education and special foods to assist in obtaining an adequate diet for: WOMEN who are pregnant, breast-feeding or recently had a baby.  INFANTS through the 12th month of age and children one to five years of age.
Proper nutrition and health care are very important to the growth and development of children.

How does it work?

WIC checks are issued monthly/bimonthly to WIC participants for the purchase of specific foods at WIC authorized local grocery stores.  Only stores authorized by the Nebraska WIC program are eligible to be a WIC store.

Services Offered:

* Nutrition education and counseling

* Checks to buy foods that help keep you healthy

* Immunization screening and referrals

* Discussions on food shopping, recipes, taking care of babies, eating during pregnancy

* Breastfeeding education and support

* Referrals to doctors, health centers, dentists, and programs like Food Stamps

Funding:

The program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Funds are made available to the Nebraska Health & Human Services System which contracts with local agencies, like People's Family Health Services to operate the program.  The program in the state of Nebraska is currently being operated by 14 agencies in 93 counties.

Staffing:

The WIC staff is a caring team of Registered Dieticians, Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nutritionists, and Support Staff who are available to help each person who participates in the WIC program.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (voice) or (202) 260-1026 (local).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider.