WHAT IS WIC?

WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. It is a federal nutrition program which provides supplemental foods, nutrition counseling, and referrals to health care for eligible:

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women
• Infants and
• Children under 5 years old.

At WIC clinic, each participant is issued a set of checks listing certain foods for that month. The checks are redeemed at local stores which accept WIC checks.

WHAT CAN WIC DO FOR YOU?

By providing some of the foods needed daily for good health, WIC can help you stretch your food budget. Nutritionists at the WIC clinic can help you plan healthy meals for your family, advise on infant feeding, children's diet needs, can help you learn to breastfeed, and the food needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women.

WIC Provides Women & Children with:

• Milk and Cheese for calcium and Vitamin D to build strong bones and teeth.
• Eggs for protein and iron to help build and repair body cells.
• Cereal for iron to help develop a strong body and healthy blood.
• Fruit Juices for Vitamin C to help fight infections.
• Peanut Butter or Dried Beans for protein, and calories necessary for growth and development.
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Tuna Fish for breast feeding women.
• Whole grain breads and other whole grain products for fiber.
• Fortified Formulas

See what foods and brands that you are allowed to purchase with a WIC food card.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR WIC?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an infant or child under 5 years of age, you may be eligible. The following table outlines the income guidelines:

New York State WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines

See the Federal Income Guidelines

WIC Saves You Money Every Month!

WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR WIC?

Call WIC as soon as you know you are pregnant or at any time during your pregnancy.

If you have children under the age of 5, you may apply at any time.

Find out the things you need to know to apply for WIC - click here.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF I AM ELIGIBLE?

Call the Cattaraugus County Health Department WIC Program at 716-373-8057 or 716-368-2264.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to 5 years of age may be eligible if they meet income requirements. Call the WIC office to check. When a medical screening is required, WIC staff can do it for free, or you may choose to see your doctor.  If eligible, your first checks will be available at the end of the orientation session. After that, you will pick up the checks at the site of your choosing.

Standards for participation in the program are the same for everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, religion or political belief.

WHAT INFORMATION / SUPPORT DOES WIC PROVIDE?

WIC meetings include:

• Individual counseling and/or group presentations,
• Explanations about current height, weight, and anemia screening for each participant,
• Breastfeeding support,
• Information and displays from other community agencies.

If you have questions regarding WIC, please contact Cattaraugus County Health Department WIC Program at 716-373-8057 or 716-368-2264.