A Healthy Start for New and Expectant Moms ... - West Virginia WIC

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