WIC program vital for moms and kids

More Maricopa mothers, infants, and children may be eligible to participate in the Arizona Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program due to the current state of the economy.

The federally funded program provides residents with nutritious foods, nutrition education and referrals. WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under age five who meet certain eligibility guidelines.

Pinal County Public Health administers the program for the state through its local public health clinics. Families that have experienced a work layoff or reduction in work hours may be able to participate in WIC to help put food on the table while parents are looking for new jobs or training for a new career. The income eligibility requirements are 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

WIC income eligibility by family size (effective April 8, 2008):

Family Members Monthly Household Income Yearly Household Income
2 $2,159 $25,900
3 $2,714 $32,560
4 $3,269 $39,220
5 $3,824 $45,880
6 $4,379 $52,540

Families that participate in WIC receive the following foods: milk, cereal, eggs, cheese, beans or peanut butter and juice. Breastfeeding mothers also receive carrots and tuna. Infants who are not breastfed can receive infant formula. During the spring, WIC participants also receive coupons that can be redeemed at their local approved farmer’s market for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Director of Pinal County Public Health Tom Schryer states, “Good nutrition can help a family stay healthy and avoid costly medical care. Pinal County is pleased to be able to administer the WIC Program to the families that live here.”

WIC clients receive nutrition education at every visit. They also have access to a public health nutritionist for nutrition counseling and a certified lactation counselor who provides help with breastfeeding.

Rosanna Ringer, a registered dietician and assistant director of Public Health for Nutrition Services, explained that the counselors are like personal health consultants for young families, nursing moms or expectant mothers.

“They help WIC mothers with all of their nutrition questions – from what to eat when you’re pregnant, how often an infant should breastfeed or how to feed a picky toddler. The nutrition staff also helps answer questions about infant formula,” Ringer said. “Participation in WIC can help mothers know that they are doing a great job with their children and providing for all their nutrition needs.”

Applying for WIC is easy. Simply call 1-866-960-0633 for an appointment at the local clinic. The WIC clinic in Maricopa, open Tuesdays and Thursdays, is located in the old Justice Court building at 44625 W. Garvey.

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