Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What is WIC?

The Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). WIC services in Calhoun County are provided by CCPHD in Battle Creek, Albion, and Marshall. Several WIC facts include:

• One out of every two babies born in Michigan receives WIC benefits.
• For every dollar spent by this program, more than three dollars in subsequent health care costs are saved.

Benefits

Women and Newborns

• WIC participation significantly increases the number of women receiving adequate prenatal care.
• WIC participation dramatically lowers infant mortality among Medicaid beneficiaries.
• WIC improves the dietary intake of pregnant and postpartum women. It also improves weight gain in pregnant women.
• WIC participation decreases the incidence of low birth weight and lowers pre-term births.

Children

• WIC participation lowers the rate of anemia among children ages 6 months to 5 years.
• WIC significantly improves children's dietary intake of vitamins and nutrients such as iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, protein, niacin, and vitamin B6.
• 4- and 5-year-olds who participated in WIC during early childhood have better vocabularies and digit memory scores than comparable children who did not participate in WIC.
• WIC participation leads to higher rates of immunization against childhood diseases.

Who Does WIC Serve?

• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who recently had a baby.
• Infants from birth to 1 year of age.
• Children from 1 year of age to their 5th birthday (child must be less than age 5).
• Michigan residents meeting income and health guidelines.
• The Income Calculation Reference Sheet will provide assistance to determine income.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.