Nutrition Education WIC provides nutrition education and counseling to pregnant women, new mothers and children. The main focus of the nutrition education program is prevention and improvement of the health status. Individuals learn about their specific nutritional needs and the nutrients necessary during pregnancy and lactation. New mothers receive information and guidance in feeding the infant and preschooler through all stages of development. Counseling is also targeted toward identified nutrition problems such as anemia, underweight, inappropriate weight in pregnancy and special feeding problems, etc.
Every effort is made to provide culturally appropriate counseling in the participant's own language.
Supplemental Food WIC participants receive monthly vouchers for specific foods prescribed to meet their individual needs. WIC foods are high in protein, calcium, iron and Vitamins A and C, such as milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, dried beans, iron fortified cereal, high Vitamin C fruit juice and infant formula. Vouchers are redeemed at contracted local grocery stores and pharmacies. The WIC program encourages earlier and more frequent utilization of other health care systems. It refers and coordinates with other services, such as immunizations and Well Child Clinics, prenatal programs, drug and alcohol treatment program, medicaid, etc. to assist participants in knowing where and how to obtain health care.