Health Department
WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
What is WIC?
Who Qualifies?
Income Guidelines
Benefits
How to Apply
Hours
- Tuesday 8-12 and 1-5, Thursday 1-5
What Is WIC?
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a supplemental food and nutrition education program that was developed to help ensure the health of prenatal, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and young children up to five years of age.
- Based on participants needs, referrals are made to governmental programs and/or community resources.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the WIC program at a national level.
Who Qualifies?
A woman may qualify if she is:
- Pregnant
- Postpartum (has been pregnant within last 6 mos.)
- Breastfeeding (to an infant up to one year of age)
- Must meet the Kansas WIC income guidelines
An infant or child may qualify if:
- He/She is under the age of five
- Must be at a nutritional risk determined by a health professional
- Must meet the Kansas WIC income guidelines
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5963 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider.
What Are the WIC Income Guidelines?
Click here to see KDHE Site for Details
What are the benefits and services provided by WIC?
- Nutrition Education:One-on-one personalized nutrition education and counseling is provided by Registered Nurse to address basic nutritional needs. A referral will be made to the WIC Registered Dieticain for WIC clients that need specialized nutrition.
- Breastfeeding Education: Breastfeeding education and assistance is provided by trained staff, which includes a breastfeeding peer counselor, certified breastfeeding educators and a lactation consultant. Breast pumps are available to participants based on individual need.
- Health Screenings: Physical growth is assessed during each visit by measuring height and weight. Nutrition history is also reviewed.
- Nutritious Foods: Checks are provided to eligible participants that include specific nutritious foods to supplement the diet. These checks are redeemed at participating grocery stores. Some of the foods that might be provided are: milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, beans, fruit juice, cereal, tuna and carrots. WIC encourages breastfeeding since it is the best source of nutrition for infants, however, WIC also provides infant formula, cereal and baby food.
- Health Care Referrals: The WIC staff encourages and provides access to health care by providing participants with referrals to other community-based agencies and private providers.
The above services, excluding breast pumps, are provided at no cost to eligible participants.
How do I apply for WIC services?
- Call 620-672-4135 and staff will discuss eligibility criteria, collect personal data, and make an appointment.
- Submission of personal identification documents, proof of residency, and proof of income are required at every certification appointment.
- Moms, dads, or legal guardians can enroll infants and children in the WIC program.
DISCLAIMER The Pratt County Health Department provides the content of this website for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Page Last Updated: February 15, 2010