Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a supplemental food program for pregnant and postpartum women and their infants and children under age 5. Supplemental foods and nutrition education are provided to almost 3,000 clients at monthly clinics in the nine counties of Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, and Shelby. The program evaluates the growth rate of children and joins with other programs to provide effective nutrition and health services to families who are at risk. Participants receive checks for specific foods that are redeemable at over 700 grocery stores and pharmacies across Iowa.
Although WIC is income based, it isn't a welfare program. A family of four can make over $34,000 a year and still be eligible to participate. Click this link for current income guidelines and other information:
Iowa Department of Public Health - WIC Program
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/wic/default.asp
Wic Works Resource System
http://www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks
To apply or for more information please e-mail your name, phone number and the city you live in to Lynne Tremmel or call 1-800-338-4129.