Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Definition

The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal assistance program in the United States designed to provide nutritional support to low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children up to age five. The program aims to promote health during critical developmental periods through access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. WIC services include nutritional education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals in addition to food assistance.
2. Eligibility for WIC is based on income level and nutritional risk as assessed by a healthcare provider.
3. Studies show that participation in WIC significantly reduces the risk of low birthweight and infant mortality.
4. WIC participants receive vouchers or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase specific approved foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and baby formula.
5. The program also provides immunization screening and additional benefits aimed at enhancing overall health outcomes for mothers and children.

Review Questions

• What are the primary services provided by the WIC program?
• Who is eligible to participate in the WIC program?
• How does WIC improve health outcomes for infants and young children?

Related terms

SNAP:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program offers food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people living in the U.S.

EBT: Electronic Benefit Transfer is an electronic system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card.

Nutritional Risk: A medical or dietary condition such as anemia or inadequate dietary intake that makes an individual eligible for certain nutrition assistance programs.