WIC
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is a federally funded nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum, breast feeding women, infants and children from birth to five years of age. The goal of the WIC program in Pottawatomie County is to give our children the best possible start in life. In order to achieve this goal, WIC provides nutrition education, healthy foods, breast feeding support, and health care referrals.
Some of the documented benefits of the WIC program include:
- An increase in early (first trimester) prenatal care
- Significant increases in birth weight
- Decreased rate of pre-term deliveries
- Increased infant head circumferences, and
- Reduced late fetal deaths
Healthy Foods
The WIC program provides specific supplemental foods for good health and nutrition during critical times of growth and development. Foods provided by this program are high in calcium, protein, iron, and vitamins A, D, and C. Examples of these foods included milk, cheese, eggs, cereals, juices, beans, and peanut butter.
Nutrition Education
The WIC program at the Pottawatomie County Health Department offers nutrition education at no cost for pregnant and breast feeding women, infants and children under the age of five.
Specific nutrition education are provided on the following topics:
- Weight Gain During Pregnancy
- Lactose Intolerance
- Underweight/Overweight Children
- Iron Deficiency
- Weight Management
Who is eligible for WIC services?
- Women who are pregnant, breast feeding or have recently given birth
- Any child, birth to five years of age.
Who may apply for WIC services for a child?
- Two-parent families, single-mothers or single-father families, grandparents and foster parent.
- Caretaker, guardian or proxy
How do I receive WIC benefits?
- Have a family income within program limits (if you receive income from a job you may still qualify).
- You may be eligible for WIC if you are Medicaid, Food Stamps or AFDC benefits.
How do I apply for WIC?
Call (405) 273-2157 and ask for WIC services.
What information will I need to provide the WIC clinic for an appointment?
- Name, address, phone number, birth date and other demographic information for the person you wish to enroll.
- The amount of your family income.
What information I will need to provide the WIC clinic at appointment day?
- Proof of identification
- Proof of home address
- Proof of income
- We request that you bring the infant/child's immunization record.
For more information visit:
WIC Works
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
