A Healthy Start for New and Expectant Moms ... - West Virginia WIC
A Healthy Start for New and Expectant Moms ... - West Virginia WIC
A Healthy Start for New and Expectant Moms ... - West Virginia WIC
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The <strong>WIC</strong> GOAL<br />
<strong>WIC</strong> strives to improve the health of participants by providing the<br />
following benefits:<br />
• Nutrition Workshops on a Variety of Topics<br />
• Breastfeeding Support<br />
• Nutritious Foods<br />
• Referrals to Other Health <strong>and</strong> Social Service Agencies<br />
How Does It All Work<br />
Nutrition education classes are provided to participants on a variety of<br />
topics, including infant nutrition, nutrition during pregnancy <strong>and</strong> shopping<br />
on a limited budget.<br />
Eligible participants are given food vouchers which can be used at<br />
<strong>WIC</strong>-approved stores. These vouchers are <strong>for</strong> specified foods approved<br />
through the <strong>WIC</strong> program.<br />
WHICH FOODS ARE APPROVED<br />
• Milk • Eggs • Juice • Cereal<br />
• Cheese • Peanut Butter • Canned Fish • Baby Food<br />
• Infant Cereal • Infant Formula • Beans • Soy Milk<br />
• Fresh Fruits • Fresh Vegetables • Whole Grain Breads<br />
Participants receive certain foods based on their individual needs<br />
<strong>and</strong> eligibility category determined in a <strong>WIC</strong> clinic.<br />
AM I ELIGIBLE<br />
<strong>WIC</strong> is offered to persons who meet the following eligibility requirements:<br />
#1 Category<br />
• Pregnant Women<br />
• Postpartum Women (up to 6 months after delivery)<br />
• Breastfeeding Women (up to 12 months after delivery)<br />
• Infants<br />
• Children up to 5 years of age<br />
#2 Income<br />
Applicant must meet USDA income st<strong>and</strong>ards which are revised<br />
each year.<br />
Any applicant that has a current medical card, proof of food stamps<br />
or TANF eligibility is automatically income eligible <strong>for</strong> <strong>WIC</strong> benefits.<br />
#3 Nutrition/Health Risk<br />
A nutrition <strong>and</strong> health risk assessment includes:<br />
• Health & Weight Measurements<br />
• Finger Stick Anemia Test<br />
• Health History & Diet Assessment<br />
All participants must be seen at the <strong>WIC</strong> clinic be<strong>for</strong>e eligibility can be<br />
determined. Re-evaluations are required <strong>for</strong> continued participation.<br />
To see if you are eligible: Call your local <strong>WIC</strong> clinic or visit us online<br />
at http://ons.wvdhhr.org/<br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Virginia</strong> Department of Health <strong>and</strong> Human Resources<br />
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.<br />
What Happens<br />
at a Clinic Visit<br />
You need to bring the<br />
following in<strong>for</strong>mation to<br />
the <strong>WIC</strong> appointment:<br />
3 Birth Certificate or hospital<br />
footprints <strong>for</strong> infants or<br />
children<br />
3Proof of income (recent<br />
pay stubs; verification of<br />
TANF or Medicaid<br />
eligibility)<br />
3Proof of address, such as<br />
rent receipt, utility bills, etc.<br />
3Proof of pregnancy from a<br />
doctor, health department<br />
or Family Planning clinic<br />
3Social Security card<br />
3Immunization records<br />
3 <strong>WIC</strong> ID Folder, if available<br />
3A dry diaper may also be<br />
helpful<br />
The above in<strong>for</strong>mation is reviewed,<br />
along with participant’s health<br />
history. A health screening is<br />
per<strong>for</strong>med on each participant.<br />
From there, in<strong>for</strong>mation is written<br />
on growth charts <strong>and</strong> evaluated<br />
individually to determine <strong>WIC</strong><br />
eligibility. Participants are then<br />
counseled by a health professional.<br />
Eating habits are discussed <strong>and</strong><br />
food histories are evaluated. At that<br />
time, participants are in<strong>for</strong>med of<br />
their eligibility <strong>and</strong> <strong>WIC</strong> program<br />
responsibilities.<br />
You should expect to spend about<br />
an hour <strong>for</strong> each appointment. Many<br />
clinics offer evening hours <strong>for</strong> your<br />
convenience.<br />
OR-15 (REV. 10/09)