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