WIC is a national program established in 1972 to improve the health and nutritional status of low-income families by providing special supplemental foods during critical periods of growth and development. WIC works with other health care services. The program provides nutrition education, nutritious foods, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to other health services. The Georgia WIC program is 100 percent federally funded and serves families with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. These include eggs, cheese, milk, cereal, fruit juices, dried peas and beans, peanut butter, and infant formula.
Women breastfeeding their babies receive carrots and tuna.
WIC encourages breastfeeding because breast milk is best to give babies a healthy start. WIC gives pregnant women education and support to help them make the best choice for feeding their babies, and provides ongoing support and information to mothers who want to breastfeed. Public health clinics in each county provide general health counseling, prevention and education about smoking and referrals to smoking cessation classes. The Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse is studying the frequency with which teenagers are able to buy tobacco products in Georgia. This is required for federal substance abuse block grant funding.