How Does WIC Work?

If an individual is found to be eligible for WIC following the certification process, food instruments will be issued by the WIC nutritionist. Printed on these food instruments are the foods which the participant may receive at no cost. They are redeemable at local vendors, a list of which is provided at certification.

Pregnant women and teens are certified for 6 weeks past the birth of their infant. During this time they will be asked to return for group or individual nutrition education and re-issuance of food instruments every two months.

Infants are certified until their first birthday. They will be asked to return at 2, 4, 6, and 9 months for a follow-up visit with the health professional and re-issuance of food instruments.

After their first birthday, children are certified for 6 month periods. They will be asked to return every 3 months for individual or group education and re-issuance of food instruments. Children can participate in WIC until their fifth birthday.

Breast feeding women can participate in WIC for one year after the birth of their infant as long as they continue to breast feed. They will be scheduled to attend group or nutrition education when their infants are scheduled for nutrition education. Six months after the birth of their infants, breastfeeding mothers are scheduled to see the health professional to be re-certified for the remainder of the year.

Women who choose to give their infants artificial baby milk will be able to participate themselves on WIC for 6 months following the birth of their infants. They will be asked to return for individual or group education 3 months after the birth of their infants.

For more information, call 815-244-8855.