WIC

Question 1

What does WIC stand for?

Answer 1

• Women, infants, and children

Question 2

When was WIC funded permanently?

Answer 2

1974

Question 3

What is the purpose of WIC?

Answer 3

improve health of individuals at nutritional risk during times of critical development

Question 4

What does WIC provide?

Answer 4

• vouchers for healthy food
• health screening
• breastfeeding support
• nutrition education
• immunization screening and referrals

Question 5

How many infants are born to WIC mothers in Texas (and the US)?

Answer 5

• US: 6.2 million
• Texas: 675,000

Question 6

In general, what are the food packages for women?

Answer 6

Amount of food depends on time after birth and mode of feeding (breastfeeding incentivized): includes juice, milk, cereal, eggs, fruits & vegetables, cheese, whole grains, canned fish, beans, and/or peanut butter, yogurt, milk

Question 7

What are the food packages for infants 0-6 m, based on feeding mode? How have they changed to mirror current health issues?

Answer 7

Depends on age and mode of feedings (0-5 m):
- Fully formula: enough formula
- Partially breastfed: some formula
- Fully breastfed: no formula

Question 8

How is breastfeeding incentivized among WIC participants?

Answer 8

Breast feeding is encouraged by providing more:
*juice
* $11 for fruits and vegetables
* milk
* eggs
* whole grains
* canned fish

Question 9

How is qualification for WIC determined? Who qualifies?

Answer 9

4 criteria
1) Categorical: women - pregnant to 6 weeks post birth, post partum 6 months, breastfeeding up to infants 1st birthday; infants - up to 1st birthday; children - up to 5th birthday
2) Residential: must live in state in which they apply
3) Income: no more than 185% of poverty, automatic if eligible for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and certain state programs
4) Nutritional risk: Medicaid-based or dietary-based conditions, or dietary risks