WIC and WCOMO:By Terri Trisler

Outreach Coordinator, State WIC OfficeFebruary 27, 2015

What is WIC?WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program

for Women, Infants, and ChildrenFounded in 1974WIC in our region… Bipartisan support by Congress

Who WIC servesLow income:

Pregnant womenNew and breastfeeding momsChildren under 5

Who is eligible? Families that participate in certain other programs

may make clients automatically eligible Federal Medicaid programsSNAP - aka Basic Food aka Food Stamps TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Pregnant teens in foster care and foster children

Income eligibilityApril 2014-2015

How does WIC help? Pregnant women on WIC are more likely to have…

Prenatal care Healthy weight gainFewer premature babies and

fetal and infant deathsHealthier infants when

breastfed

How does WIC help families? Infants and children on WIC are more likely to have...

Healthy growthHigher rates of immunizationBetter access to healthcareLower risk of developmental

delaysIncreased vocabulary and

memory scores

Does WIC work?

Moms and kids on WIC are healthier, have a better diet and are more likely to get other needed services

Bottom line: WIC saves health care costs

Benefits Checks for healthy foodNutrition educationHealth screening and referralsBreastfeeding support

Washington WIC by the numbers305,000

Number of women, infants, and children served by WIC

48%Percent of all babies in WA on WIC

212Number of clinics in 61 agencies across all 39 counties

32%Percent of Medicaid clients eligible for WIC, but not enrolled

Families are missing out on healthy foods and nutrition services

WIC caseload has declined; 25,000 less clients served in 2014 vs. 2012

$15 million in healthy foods are not getting to eligible families

Please help us get the word out!

WIC Outreach Materials:

Eligibility guidelines

WIC benefits

How to apply for WIC

Outreach materials

HOW TO ORDER

Online:www.withinreachwa.org/products-page/wic-the-nutrition-program-for-women-infants-children/

By Phone: Call Debbie Nakano at 1-800-322-2588

By Email: debbien@withinreachwa.org

Questions?

ContactWashington State WIC Program

www.doh.wa.gov/WIC

Terri Trisler

terri.trisler@doh.wa.gov360.236.3712