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WIC

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The California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).

Breastfeeding Is a Priority in the WIC Program

WIC mothers are strongly encouraged to breastfeed their infants unless there is a medical reason not to.  All WIC staff are trained to promote breastfeeding and provide the necessary support new breastfeeding mothers and infants need for success.  WIC State and local agencies are required by WIC Program regulations to create policies and procedures to ensure breastfeeding support and assistance is provided throughout the prenatal and postpartum period, particularly when the mother is most likely to need assistance.

 

Breastfeeding Promotion and Support in WIC Includes:  

•      Anticipatory guidance, counseling, and breastfeeding educational materials

•      A greater quantity and variety of foods

•      Longer participation in the Program

•      Breastfeeding aids such as breast pumps, breast shells, etc.

•      Trained staff

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WIC Facts

  •  If you participate in another assistance program you may be automatically income-eligible for WIC.

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

  •  More than half of the infants in the U.S. participate in WIC.

  •  WIC participants support the local economy through their purchases.

  •  WIC works with farmers markets to help increase participant access to provide fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Check to see if you may be eligible for WIC benefits

For Employers 

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Did you know that WIC provides printed materials and education opportunities from Registered Dietitians and Breastfeeding Experts to businesses and institutions? The WIC program can even assist with implementing lactation accommodation for parents staff and clients, in light of the new state policy AB 1025 Labor Code Chapter 3.8 Sections 1030-1033

  WIC Programs have the opportunity to further support moms by reaching out to businesses, organizations, health professionals and health organizations and making partnerships and relationships that promote breastfeeding.Please contact your local WIC Program to find out what WIC can do to better your business. 

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Term Talk: The New Definition of a Full Term Pregnancy

The meaning of "term" pregnancy has changed. "Term" has been replaced by more specific definitions that communicate the importance of the last few weeks of pregnancy for infant development

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