Here are 5 Important Facts About WIC You Probably Didn’t Know
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal assistance program that sets out to improve health among low-income women, infants, and children. The program provides food benefits and educates women on how to eat healthy and have access to quality health care. They help women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants, toddlers, and children up to age 5. The goal of the program is to reduce hunger among this demographic by providing federal grants to states for dietary nutritional supplements, nutrition education and health care referrals. If you think you qualify, here are 5 important facts about WIC you should know.
WIC Offers More than Food
If you participate in WIC, you will receive a monthly check, voucher, or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase nutritious foods. With this monthly stipend, you can purchase several healthy items, such as:
- Infant cereal
- Iron-fortified adult cereal
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Breads
- Vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice
- Dairy products, such as eggs, milk, cheese
- Peanut butter
- Dried and canned beans/peas
- Canned fish
- Soy-based beverages
You can purchase any food that contributes to your nutritional needs, according to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). However, in addition to food, if you participate in WIC, their programs provide health care services, such as health screenings and health referrals, welfare services, and social services. These programs also provide breast feeding support, nutrition counseling at WIC clinics, and other supportive resources for you and your family.
You Can Make WIC Easier Through eWIC
WIC began using an Electronic Benefits Transfer card called eWIC in 2019. The card makes shopping for groceries easier because it acts like a debit card, and is reusable, just like a debit card. The local WIC agency will automatically transfer benefits for the next three months to your eWIC account, which you can use to buy any food that is approved by the program. You no longer need to use paper checks, which makes for a faster checkout and more convenient experience. If you still have paper checks, you can turn them in to your local WIC office and get the eWIC card.
WIC Offers a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program
The breastfeeding program plays an integral role helping pregnant women through their journey. As a pregnant woman, you will work with a WIC peer counselor to learn basic breastfeeding information. In this program, you will learn how to:
- Breastfeed comfortably, no matter where you are (including in public).
- Maintain a close connection with your baby through breastfeeding once you return to work (or school).
- Seek support from family and friends.
- Start breastfeeding on the right foot.
- Make enough breast milk for your baby.
You can also address any breastfeeding concerns and talk to other moms who relate to your situation. Remember that not all WIC agencies offer the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, so head to your local WIC office to see if it’s one of the services they provide.Â
You can Get a Voucher for the Farmers’ Market
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) collaborates with the WIC program during spring and summer months. The collaboration will grant WIC participants access to fresh, seasonal, locally grown produce. If you participate in WIC, you’ll receive vouchers (coupons) that you can use at any authorized farmers market April-October.
WIC will provide you with a list of authorized Farmers’ Markets in your area. Additionally, you will receive information about the benefits of eating healthy. A diet abundant with fruits and vegetables is beneficial for every diet, especially pregnant or breastfeeding moms and growing infants, toddlers, and children.
You May be Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
If you knew some or most of our facts about WIC, here’s one you probably didn’t know. If you participate in WIC, you may be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ACP program is the latest government benefit program by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It grants low-income Americans discounts on monthly broadband services and connected internet devices. When the FCC partners with approved providers, such as Q Link Wireless, it offers discounted or free phone service to eligible participants. At Q Link Wireless, ACP customers get FREE UNLIMITED Data, Talk, & Text on one of America’s fastest 4G LTE/5G networks.Â
You can qualify for the ACP benefit if you participate in a government program, including SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC. You may also be eligible if you participate in the Lifeline Program.Â
Find out of you qualify today. Sign up for the ACP program with Q Link Wireless in five minutes or less.
We make it easy to get started, but if you have additional questions about the Affordable Connectivity Program, contact us or call 1-855-754-6543 to speak with a member of our Support Team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions!
