By Beth Viland 

WIC  provides a variety of healthy  food for qualifying women, infants and children under the age of  five. It also provides nutrition information, counseling and preventive health care.
The program is called the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC. This preventive health program also provides referrals to health and social service programs. WIC is a federally funded program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
WIC is unlike any other food assistance program, as it is for pregnant and nursing women and children under five years of age. Their annual family income must be within certain guidelines.  Participants may qualify for WIC along with other programs such as food stamps, Medical Assistance, or TANF.
WIC participants receive counseling on a variety of concerns regarding nutrition, breastfeeding and healthy life choices.
Participants of the WIC program receive checks to purchase specific foods each month, which are designed to supplement their diets. WIC foods are high in nutrients, such as protein, calcium, iron, and Vitamins A and C to aid in proper growth and development, and help families choose healthier ways of eating. WIC foods include milk, juice, eggs, peanut butter and cereal.
Participation in WIC has shown to improve pregnancy outcomes – longer pregnancies, fewer premature births, and lower incidence of low birth weight babies. It also has a positive affect on children’s diets by increasing essential vitamins and minerals.
A family would qualify to receive WIC if they make the following income or less:  
Family of 3 -- monthly income of $2,648
Family of 4 -- monthly income of $3,184
Family of 5 -- monthly income of $3,721
More information regarding WIC can be obtained by calling the WIC Office at 845-8520. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The WIC office is  located at 341 North Central Ave.