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“WIC” is shorthand for the federally-sponsored “Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.”  The program serves nearly half of all infants born in the United States as well as their mothers.  Under the terms of the current contract, Saint Louis County will be able to serve up to 9,300 WIC-eligible people every month.

The WIC program provides nutritious supplemental foods and individualized nutrition education and counseling for at-risk pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to five (5) years of age at no cost to participants.  Last year, 382,507 WIC checks were issued by Saint Louis County Department of Health and redeemed for nutritious food items.

WIC also makes critical referrals as needed to other health care and public assistance programs.  In addition, it provides breast feeding education and sponsors support groups open to residents of Saint Louis County.

Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy, and eat healthier.

Eligibility for WIC services is based on income, family size, and nutritional risk.  A family of three would qualify if their annual earnings were $36,131 or less, whereas a family of eight (8) could earn up to $73,316 annually and still qualify.  Pregnant women are counted as two family members.

For more information about the WIC program, including a list of all five locations,  call the Saint Louis County Department of Health at (314) 679-7900 or visit: www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HealthCentersandMedicalServices/NutritionWICServices

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