Show Me Health - Strengthening Families through WIC

Parenthood is wonderful and rewarding, but raising thriving, healthy kids is a big job.  When you become a parent it seems like you have a ton of questions and not a lot of answers.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a place you could go that helps prepare you to become a parent?  You would learn what to eat (and not to eat) during pregnancy, talk about challenges you may face during breastfeeding and receive support along the way, learn how to read food labels so you actually understand them—and then have classes on how to cook healthy foods so your kids love them.  Have other health concerns?  You would be connected to the health care resources you need.

Since 1974, WIC, the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Education Program for Women, Infants and Children has been vital in helping parents give their children a healthy start—last year marked the program’s 40^th year of strengthening families.  WIC is one of our country’s most important public health programs and has enriched the lives of millions of families over the years. 

When you think WIC, you may think “milk and cheese.” In reality, it’s now much more than that.   The U.S. Department of Agriculture just last year was applauded for making some positive changes in the WIC program that included expanded access to fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy for mothers and young children. This science based decision was implemented in part to help reduce the childhood obesity rates by encouraging healthy food choices and making those choices attainable.  The recent study, ‘Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity in the United States, 2011-2012,’ published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on February 26 showed that public health efforts, including those within WIC, may be helping to reduce childhood obesity.  The obesity rates among children aged 2 to 5 years has already shown a 43 percent decrease.

WIC is a federal nutrition program, but, it is so much more than just food.  The cornerstone of the program is nutrition education.  Registered dietitians, nutritionists and nurses help families develop lifelong healthy eating habits and healthy behaviors through one-on-one counseling and group classes, social-media, and on-line tools where they can find the answers to those same questions that come up every day:  Is this meal healthy?  Is it okay to eat this food while I breastfeed?  Will the kids like this food?  What can I make for dinner?

The truth is, parenthood undoubtedly poses challenges for all of us, but having a trusted place to find answers helps empower us to become the confident mothers and fathers we want to be. This is the heart of WIC services.  Millions of moms have found a safe haven in WIC.

“WIC helped shape me, support me, and guide me as a young mother. The various staff members empowered me as a young woman, encouraging me to continue my education, plan for my children’s futures, and mentor those in similar situations. With the help of WIC, I was able to become a successful mother!”  - WIC Participant, NE

Locally, the Livingston County Health Center has been providing WIC services in Livingston County since 1979.  So, for the last 36 years, we have potentially helped and guided 3-4 generations of our own residents!  It is estimated nationally through WIC, which is again, funded through the USDA, nearly 9 million moms and kids (under 5) got the nutrition they needed just last year.  In fact, statistics show that WIC touches the lives of approximately 53% of all infants born in the United States.  The program has a proven track record of improving healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes, reducing infant mortality, and preparing kids to be ready to learn. 

If you have any questions about the WIC program or would like to see if you qualify for the program, visit our website at www.livcohealthcenter.com or call 660-646-5506.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.