WIC Services

What Is WIC?

The special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a short-term intervention program designed to influence nutrition and health behaviors of those eligible for WIC.

Who Is Eligible For WIC?

Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Postpartum Women; Infants; and Children under five years of age, must meet the following for WIC eligibility:

• Submission of personal identification documents, proof of residency, and proof of income (Medicaid / Food stamp program serve as proof of income).
• Family income level is below or equal to 185% poverty guideline.
• Nutrition risk is determined

What Do The Participants Receive?

Nutrition Education Service
All participants receive case-specific nutrition education every 1-3 months from Qualified / certified Nutritionists. Nutritional assessment for each participant involves:

• Height, weight and hemoglobin measurements taken at each certification visit
• At least two group nutrition classes are offered to all adult participants, parents, and/or guardians of children and infants enrolled to WIC. The classes use interactive educational activities to engage the clients in the learning activity.
• Follow-up nutrition education and counseling is provided for high risk clients.
• Web-based nutrition education is promoted to all participants at the certification visit.
• Multi- media (Kiosk) nutrition education is promoted to all participants.

Breastfeeding Education
Breastfeeding women receive counseling, breastfeeding education, and support from trained professionals.

• Breastfeeding mothers are provided with manual pumps, breast pads, and electric pumps on loan.
• Parenting skills are also promoted .

 

A Monthly Nutritious Food
WIC provides nutritious foods to supplement the dietary needs of WIC clients. The foods provided by the WIC program are rich in protein, iron, calcium and vitamin A and C. These nutrients are commonly shown to be lacking in the diets of WIC clientele.

• Pregnant or postpartum women and children receive: milk, cheese, eggs, fruit juice, and dried beans or peanut butter.
• Breastfeeding women receive: same as above plus carrots and tuna fish if they are exclusively breastfed.
• Infants 0-6 months receive: iron fortified formula or any other state allowable infant formula if ordered by the physician.
• Infants 6-12 months receive the same as above with an addition of dry infant cereal and fruit juice.

Healthcare Referrals.

WIC provides clientele with referrals to medical care, healthcare providers, and other social and community services.

What is Farmers Market Nutrition Program? (FMNP)

The Fairfax County FMNP provides food instruments to WIC participants to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and cut herbs.

• FMNP helps to ensure good health by encouraging more fruits and vegetables in the diet.
• Provides families with nutrition education on healthy eating.
• Supports local farmers.