WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that helps women, infants and young children eat well and stay healthy by providing: nutrition education breastfeeding education

and support health screening community referrals and supplemental foods

What is WIC?

Medical/Nutritional Risk

Each WIC participant must have a medical/nutritional reason to be on the WIC program.

You or your child’s risk factor(s) are……..

Nutrition Education

which emphasizes the relationship between proper nutrition and good health,

assists the participant in achieving a positive change in food habits,

all participants are encouraged to participate.

WIC provides every participant or caregiver with the opportunity to participate in nutrition education.

Advantages of Breastfeeding

WIC encourages all prenatal women to breastfeed.

Here are a few reasons why: fewer ear infections less respiratory illness less diarrhea and

constipation more convenience saves money improves post-partum

weight loss

Substance Abuse Refers to the use of legal or illegal

substances which cause an individual to have physical health, legal, social, or financial problems including endangering your life or the lives of others.

A list of local resources for drug and other harmful substance abuse counseling and treatment centers will be provided.

WIC Food Package

The WIC food package is a prescription to meet you or

your child’s individual nutritional needs and is a supplement to a complete

balanced diet.

WIC Food Package

WIC approved foods: Milk, cheese Eggs Cereal, Juice Peanut Butter or Dried

Beans & Peas

Carrots & Tuna (exclusively breastfeeding

mom’s only) Infant formula

Nutrients found in WIC Foods

Iron-Necessary for making healthy red blood cells. Cereals, dried beans, peas and lentils, eggs, peanut butter

and tuna. Calcium-Strong bones and teeth & helps muscles

work. Milk, cheese,dried beans, peas and lentils.

Vit C-Helps body use Iron. Helps fight infections. Juice

Vit A-Healthy eyes, skin and bones. Milk, cheese, egg(yolk) and carrots.

Vit D-Strong bones and teeth. Milk and egg(yolk).

Nutrients found in WIC Foods

Folate-Helps make healthy red blood cells. Cereal (folacin fortified), eggs, orange juice, dried beans,

peas and lentils. Protein-Necessary for growth, upkeep and repair

of body. Milk, cheese, eggs, dried beans, peas and lentils, peanut

butter and tuna. Zinc-Needed for cell growth and repair.

Cereal (fortified with zinc) and eggs Vit B6-Needed for normal growth.

Eggs, peanut butter, and cereal (fortified with B6).

Importance of Health Care

WIC encourages women to seek early prenatal care which promotes a positive health outcome for mom and baby.

WIC encourages all infants and children to receive consistent health care which promotes a healthier outcome.

Department of Family Services (DFS)—MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Food Stamps, TANF

Community Resource—Emergency food, shelter, financial assistance, etc.

Substance Usage—Drug Assistance Program.

Referral Information For…

References Missouri Department of Health and Senior

Services--Nutrition Services and WIC. Welcome to WIC Pamphlet.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services—WIC Operations Manual; Initial Nutrition Education Contact (ER#2.06000)

Original power point presentation developed by Truman Medical Corporation WIC Program and modified by MO WIC Program on 5/10/08.