The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, is a public health nutrition program that offers breastfeeding education and support, referrals, nutrition education, and supplemental nutritious foods to those who qualify. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding up to a year after delivery, or non-breastfeeding up to 6 months after delivery, along with infants and children until they turn 5 years old are all potentially eligible for the program. WIC’s income guidelines are 185% above the poverty level so many working families still qualify for the program. Community & Family Services, Inc. sponsors WIC within six counties: Adams, Blackford, Huntington, Jay, Randolph and Wells Counties.
Clients set an appointment and bring proof of ID, address, and income to determine their eligibility. Every client meets with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Nurse (RN) to establish their nutritional need and for one-on-one educational counseling. Clients are referred to other programs that may be beneficial like Medicaid, Healthy Families, smoking cessation, doctor, etc. The RDN or RN builds a supplemental food package for each client and issues benefits on an EBT card that are redeemed at WIC approved stores throughout Indiana. WIC is a participation based nutrition program. Clients return about every 3 months for nutrition education with the RDN or RN and food benefit issuance with the full certification appointment only occurring about once a year.
