The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is an essential resource for millions of low-income families across the United States. It is available for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five (up to their fifth birthday). Additionally, dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under five can apply for support for the kids in their care. WIC provides nutritious food, health education, and vital support during critical stages of pregnancy and childhood development. Despite the WIC Program’s proven benefits, many eligible families do not take advantage of WIC’s services. In Missouri, less than 50% of those who are eligible for the program are actually participating. Increasing participation in WIC is vital to ensuring that more families benefit from these resources, improving the health of mothers and children, and reducing long-term health disparities.
Here are a few reasons why participating in WIC is so beneficial for those who qualify:
1. Access to Nutritious Food
At the heart of the WIC program is its provision of healthy, nutrient-dense foods that support the health of mothers and young children. Eligible families receive vouchers for specific items such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and infant formula. For many families on tight budgets, WIC provides access to foods that may otherwise be out of reach. These foods are chosen to help prevent malnutrition, promote healthy development, and lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
2. Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Support
Beyond food assistance, WIC provides valuable nutrition education opportunities. Nutrition classes, one-on-one counseling, and informational resources help participants understand how to best feed their children, how to incorporate healthy eating habits into their daily routines, and how to support their own health and wellness. WIC also offers breastfeeding support, including counseling from lactation consultants, peer support groups, and educational resources. These services significantly increase the likelihood that mothers will successfully breastfeed their babies, giving them the best possible start in life.
3. Health Screenings and Referrals
WIC participants also receive health screenings that can catch early signs of potential health issues. If further medical attention is needed, WIC can also connect families to doctors, clinics, and other health professionals. These screenings and referrals help families get the care they need, even if they don’t have access to regular healthcare otherwise.
Empower Missouri, at its core, is a coalition building, community education, and advocacy organization. It is in our mission to increase awareness of this available resource, work to increase participation in it, and ensure that it is being administered in the most efficient yet accessible way possible. To work on all of these things, Empower Missouri’s Food Security Coalition has developed a relationship with Missouri’s WIC Administrators; we believe that one of the best ways to improve WIC participation is through community organizations that work with moms and kids collaborating with agency staff who create the process and policies for enrollment. So, over the next few years, we plan to meet regularly and develop a plan that we can implement together to increase awareness of and participation in the WIC Program across the state. But we need more community organizations involved! Having the voices of folks who work directly with eligible moms and kids is vital to this effort being successful. We hope you can join us in this work!
The next WIC Advisory Group meeting is on Friday, January 17th at 9:00 a.m. CT. If you are interested in being involved in improving the system so more moms and kids can access WIC, please reach out to Christne Woody at [email protected]. All are welcome to join!
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