Oregon WIC Sue Woodbury, RD, MBA State WIC Director Susan.woodbury@state.or.us (971) 673-0036

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children 100% Federally Funded Administered by USDA, Food and Nutrition Service Administered by Oregon Public Health Division (OHA) Not an entitlement program A national nutrition program for low income families with young children Established in 1974 by amendment of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; Regulations 7 CFR, Part 246, Administered through USDA. “To serve as an adjunct to good health care during critical times of growth and development to prevent the occurrence of health problems and improve health status” Malnutrition Anemia Poor growth

Oregon WIC serves. . . 41% of all women who gave birth in Oregon 59.5% of women who gave birth in rural counties 1 in 3 Oregon children under the age of 5

WIC is in all 36 counties Services are provide by 34 local agencies - 30 county or district health dept - 2 tribal organizations - 2 non-profits 103 sites

WIC Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following four criteria: Are a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, infant or child under 5 years of age. Lives in Oregon. Has a nutritional need. The household income is less than 185% of the poverty guidelines.

Nutrition eligibility is determined from a Nutrition Screening Anthropometric Biochemical Dietary Health History

WIC provides . . . Nutrition education Breastfeeding promotion, education and support Supplemental Foods Referrals to health & social services

Foods Available through WIC Fruits & Veggies Whole Grains Milk Cheese Eggs PB and/or beans Cereal Juice Canned Fish Infant Foods Special Medical Formulas

Farm Direct Nutrition Program Includes WIC clients & Seniors

FDNP Benefits Checks to purchase locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at participating farm stands and vendors at farmers markets WIC clients receive $20 in benefits and Seniors receive $32 in benefits In 2011 farmers received over 1.08 million in revenue Reduces premature births Season is June through October Almost every county, but limited funds prevent every family from receiving checks FDNP receives a small amount of state general funds

WIC Connects Hunger & Health Reduces premature births Lowers infant mortality Prevents childhood anemia Improves cognitive development Increases breastfeeding rates Greater likelihood of woman receiving prenatal care.

Eliminating public health problems arising from childhood hunger Oregon has among the highest hunger rates in the U.S. Oregon WIC is a partner in the Childhood Hunger Coalition (CHC) CHC developed a free on-line course, “Childhood Food Insecurity: Health Impacts, Screening and Intervention” available at www.ecampus.oregonstate.edu/hunger

WIC services are an adjunct to health care WIC staff work with public health and medical providers to promote good health and nutrition to Oregon’s children and babies.

The next new initiative…. Moving from paper vouchers to EBT Online card – same technology as SNAP Statewide in 2014

WIC works! US Office of Management and Budget cited WIC as “effective” – the highest ranking possible. WIC received high marks for: efficient use of program funds positive impact on birth outcomes positive impacts on childhood immunization rates Medicaid savings