Health Care Providers Refer Many Families to WIC

WIC provides important services to Pennsylvania’s families which influence a lifetime of nutrition and health behaviors in a targeted at-risk population. As a health care provider, you can help families gain access to WIC nutrition services.

WIC also provides health screening, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutrient-rich foods, infant and medical formulas, and referrals to other health and social services. More families are eligible for WIC than you might think!

WIC serves the following Pennsylvania residents:

• Pregnant women;
• Breastfeeding women, for up to one year postpartum;
• Women who are not breastfeeding, for up to six months postpartum; and
• Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children.
• • These residents must meet WIC income guidelines, which are 185 percent of the poverty level set by the federal government and is based on household size.
  • They must also have a medical or nutritional risk, which is determined at the WIC certification appointment. There are many qualifying risks. Some examples include:
  • • Medical conditions that affect intake or nutrition status;
    • Growth concerns (overweight, underweight, short for age);
    • Low intake of essential nutrients; or
    • Teen pregnancy, lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse.

For questions about WIC, please contact your local WIC agency or call the toll-free WIC Hotline 1-800-WIC-WINS to be connected to WIC office staff that will answer your questions.