Nutrition Program

 services | women, infants, children (WIC) | resources
 breastfeeding support

Pam Foster, RD, MEd, MPH, Nutrition Director
Lori Bradley, CLC, IBCLC, RLC, Nutritionist
Amy McCall, RD, LDN
Colleen Rivers, RD, LDN

1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 692-4223

• Medical nutrition therapy to Department of Public Health patients and the public
• Women, Infants, and Children Program Services (WIC)
• Nutrition workshops and technical assistance for groups and organizations
• Breastfeeding Support Program

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Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What is WIC?
WIC, which stands for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal program that provides food to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children until the age of five. The program provides nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the WIC Program.

What food is available through WIC?
Nutritious foods rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. These are key nutrients commonly missing in the diets of the WIC target population. Participants exchange WIC food vouchers at authorized retail grocery stores and pharmacies. Eligible food includes:

What other services does WIC provide?
Nutrition education is an important part of WIC and is available to all adult WIC participants, and whenever possible, to child participants and to other family members. Information is provided on:

• infant feeding
• special diets
• nutrition for healthy pregnancy
• food buying
• child growth and development
• breastfeeding information and support

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Who is eligible for WIC?

• pregnant women
• breastfeeding women who have had a baby in the last 12 months
• women who have had a baby in the last 6 months
• infants
• children up to 5 years

In addition, WIC income guidelines must be met.

(Effective July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007)

*If you are pregnant, you may include your baby as a family member.

You must also have a health risk factor based on:

• height and weight
• blood test for low iron
• health history
• diet history

How do I apply for WIC?
Go to the Henderson County Department of Public Health to complete an application. We are located at 1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100, in Hendersonville. Bring the following information with you:

Identification: Only one of the following is needed.

• valid driver's license
• current work/school ID
• Medicaid card
• current military ID
• birth certificate
• immunization record
• health record

Residence: Only one of the following is needed.

• recent water or electric bill
• recent cable bill
• gas bill or telephone bill
• current rental or mortgage agreement

Income: Bring information for all household members.

• Medicaid card (may include Work First eligibility)
• letter of Food Stamps certification
• If these don't apply, bring recent paycheck stubs, recent tax return for self-employed.

You will be given the next available appointment to come to the WIC office.

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What happens at a WIC visit?

• Your height, weight, and a blood test for low iron will be done if needed.
• A nutritionist will ask questions about your health and your diet.
• A nutritionist will review the above information to see if you are eligible for WIC.
• Any nutrition problems or questions you have will be discussed.
• If eligible, you will be given "checks" to take to the store to get your food.

Note: You need to bring your child's immunization (shot) record to all appointments.

WIC is an equal opportunity program. Persons who believe they have been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, should write:

Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
3101 Park Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302

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Breastfeeding Support Service

The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly support breastfeeding. We encourage all women to breastfeed their infants by offering breastfeeding education and assistance. Assistance is provided by a board certified Lactation Consultant, breastfeeding peer counselors, and WIC nutritionists who are Certified Breastfeeding Educators. The peer counselors make hospital visits to breastfeeding mothers. They also are available at the WIC office and by phone to answer questions. Please contact the WIC office at 692-4223 for more information. There is no charge for breastfeeding counseling services.

Some of the services available include:

• breastpump loan program
• book loan program
• breastfeeding classes
• breastfeeding peer counselor assistance
• Vitamin D drops for exclusively breastfed infants

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Resources

• American Dietetic Association
• La Leche League International
• United States Department of Agriculture: WIC

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