Women Infants Children (WIC)
*Currently all FCM and WIC services at DCHD are being held via telephone.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, please view the nondiscrimination statement below.
What is WIC?
WIC is the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. The program provides nutritious foods and nutrition education to eligible participants.
WIC strives to improve the health of participants by providing the following benefits:
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Nutrition Education and Counseling
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Links to other Health and Social Service Agencies
Am I eligible?
WIC is offered to persons who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Category
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Pregnant Women
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Postpartum Women (up to 6 months after delivery)
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Breastfeeding Women (up to 12 months after delivery)
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Infants
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Children up to 5 years
Nutrition/Health Risk
A nutrition and health assessment includes:
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Height & Weight Measurements
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Hematocrit or Hemoglobin
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Health History & Diet Assessment
Income
Participants must meet USDA income standards. The current income guidelines can be viewed by clicking the button below.
Which foods are available?
Milk, Cheese, Fruits, Vegetables, Formula, Eggs, Juice, Cereal, Peanut Butter, Dried Peas, Dried Beans, Infant Cereal, and Infant Juice.
How does it all work?
Eligible participants are issued food coupons which can be used at WIC approved stores. These coupons are for specified foods approved through the WIC program. In addition, nutrition education classes are provided to participants on a variety of topics including infant nutrition, nutrition during pregnancy, iron-rich foods, shopping on a limited budget, snack foods for children and a number of other topics. Clients can choose any of the educational sessions which meets their special needs.
What happens at a clinic visit?
The following information is required to be reviewed at the appointment:
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Birth certificate or hospital footprints for infants and/or children
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Proof of income – two recent wage stubs, Public Aid Card, Income Tax
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Proof of address – rent receipt, utility bill, etc.
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Bring eligible child/children scheduled for WIC clinic
Other information to bring:
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Social Security Card
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Immunization Records
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WIC I.D. card if available
The above information is reviewed, along with the participants health history. A health screening is performed on each participant. From there, information is plotted on growth charts and evaluated individually to determine WIC eligibility. Participants are then counseled by a health professional. Eating habits are discussed and food histories are evaluated. At that time, each participant is informed of their eligibility and WIC Program responsibilities.
How can I apply?
Many participants in the WIC Program have jobs. In addition, they may receive Food Stamps, Public Aid, General Assistance, School Lunch, Head Start, and still be on WIC. To see if you are eligible, call your local WIC Clinic. In Douglas County call (217) 253-4137. For additional information please visit the WIC details via the USDA page by clicking the button below.
DCHD Breastfeeding Support
We can be reached Monday-Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm or you can access our Breastfeeding Support Group by clicking the link below for more information.