KALISPELL, Mont. — As National Nutrition Month gets underway, the Flathead City-County Health Department is urging eligible families to enroll in the WIC program.
WIC, also known as Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides families access to healthy food, breastfeeding education, referrals for health and social services, and other tools parents and their children may need.
There are 33 WIC agencies throughout the state and more than 80 clinic sites. More than 13,000 women, infants and children are enrolled statewide, but officials say only 55% of eligible families are signed up.
The following was sent out by Flathead County:
March is National Nutrition Month. WIC provides essential nutritional support and education to families.
WIC was created in 1974 to help families and young children during a critical time of growth and development. The program’s benefits include providing families access to healthy food, breastfeeding education, health & social services referrals, and more.
According to the National WIC Association, studies have shown that family participation in WIC improves prenatal nutrition, decreases the risk of premature birth, and improves diet quality for the whole family.
Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for infant growth and development, lowers mothers’ risk for certain cancers and diabetes, and reduces the baby’s risk of certain diseases and infections.
Mothers who fully or mostly breastfeed their infants can participate in WIC for up to one year after giving birth. Moms who exclusively breastfeed their babies and do not receive infant formula from WIC are eligible for an enhanced food package, offering more food and a wider variety than packages that include infant formula.
As part of the WIC program, moms get nutritious food packages including milk, cereal, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread, grains, canned fish, beans, peanut butter, and cheese. WIC supports moms in reaching their feeding goals.
Flathead City-County Health Department encourages families to utilize the WIC program.
WIC in Montana includes 33 local agencies and over 80 clinic sites serving all 56 counties and seven tribal reservations. Almost 13,300 women, infants, and children are enrolled in Montana.
However, only 55% of currently eligible families are signed up.
WIC eligibility requires participants to be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child under five. Participants must also meet income requirements, defined as less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or the free or reduced school meal program.
Specific WIC eligibility guidelines can be found on the FCCHD website. WIC is a voluntary program, and participation does not affect eligibility for SNAP or Medicaid.
To learn more about WIC or find out if you are eligible, please visit https://flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/health/wic or call 406-751-8170.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
