WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Supplemental Nutrition Program


For more information, see the following:


What does WIC provide?

Foods for infants (birth-12 months)
The WIC program strongly encourages and provides support for breastfeeding.  For babies who are not fully breastfed, iron-fortified formula is available for the first year of life.  Infants may also receive infant cereal, baby fruit and vegetables during the first year.

Infants with specific medical diagnoses may receive a special formula.

Foods for Women and Children
Pregnant and postpartum women and children (under 5 years of age) participating in WIC receive food benefits of milk, cheese, eggs, cereals, peanut butter or beans, wheat or whole grain bread/tortilla shells, juices, and fresh fruits and vegetables.  Women who exclusively breastfeed their babies also receive extra food, which includes canned tuna or salmon.

WIC food packages

Special formulas or nutritional supplements are also available to participating women and children who have certain medical conditions.   Specific WIC medical documentation forms for infants and children and women are required to be completed by a health care provider to receive these special formulas or nutritional supplements.

Nutrition Education
WIC nutrition education provides WIC participants with information on

  • Infant and toddler feeding
  • Breastfeeding
  • Prenatal weight gain
  • Anemia or iron deficiency
  • Child growth and development and
  • Other nutrition related health issues

High Risk Nutrition Counseling
Registered Dieticians in WIC provide individualized high risk counseling for participants with special medical conditions or nutrition-related health issues.

Health Care Referrals
WIC works closely with the health care community, receiving referrals from private and public health care providers and providing referrals as needed for health and social services.

WIC refers participants for immunizations, substance abuse counseling and treatment, prenatal care, smoking cessation, lead screening, HealthyKids/MIChild program, and more.

WIC encourages persons already receiving medical services to remain under their health care provider's care.  WIC also encourages well-child visits, as well as routine health and dental care.

Breastfeeding Promotion and Support
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of life.  The Genesee County Health Department has Registered Dieticians and Public Health Nurses ready to assist mothers with the basics of breastfeeding.

Several types of breast pumps are also available for loan to those who may be returning to work or school or having lactation problems.

PROJECT FRESH
A summer program which provides coupons for fresh Michigan grown fruits and vegetables from participating farmer's markets in Genesee County.  For more information on Project Fresh, visit the Michigan Department of Community Health.

"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 USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-5964 (TTY).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer." (revised 3/06)

 
     
 

 

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