Public Health – WIC's Purpose

The Purpose of WIC

Women, Infants and Children's Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) is a health and nutrition program which helps pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children improve their health by providing nutrition counseling, classes, specially chosen nutritious foods, and referral into healthcare.  Nutrition education and counseling are for all adults and for parents and guardians of infants and preschool children who take part in WIC. Nutrition education will:

• Show you  how good nutrition and good health are related.
• Help you understand how eating the supplemental WIC foods and other nutritious foods improves your health.

At the WIC Clinic:

• You and your child will be weighed and measured.
• Your child's growth and development will be explained to you.
• You will receive a test to check the level of iron in your blood.
• Your diet will be carefully looked at.
• Your medical/nutritional history will be taken.
• You and your child will be checked for medical/nutritional risks.

WIC is an important part of the other health services given by your health clinic. Your clinic may offer such services as well-child clinics, prenatal clinics, immunizations, family planning, Medicheck, and other services. Ask the WIC staff person for information about the services you feel you need.

The WIC supplemental nutrition program helps to keep women, infants and children healthy.

For further information about the Benton County WIC Program, call 541-766-6835.