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Lifestyle Q & A Forum

Pregnancy Today Answers:

 Are there any programs to help low-income pregnant women buy food?
Question:
I heard about a program to help low-income pregnant women buy food for themselves and for their babies. Do you know how I can qualify for their help?
Answer:
In the US, the Women, Infants, Children Program (or WIC, pronounced "wick") program provides pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and children under the age of five with supplemental, nutritious foods. Men can apply for benefits for their children. According to Dorothy Costa, with the WIC program in Livermore, California, this Federally-funded program is run by local clinics, overseen by state government agencies, and their goal is to provide nutritious foods to women and children. WIC provides food vouchers (coupons), redeemable at grocery stores for very specific foods, such as those high in calcium, protein, iron and vitamin C. As a member of the program, you will also meet with a dietician, visit with a nutritionist every six months and receive breastfeeding information, support and supplies (in many locations, breast pumps are available). Support for women is provided during pregnancy and six months postpartum -- or one year postpartum if breastfeeding.

There are income requirements -- in many states, you must be at or below 185% of poverty. If you qualify, you must visit a WIC clinic (check your phone book) and bring with you your social security card, driver's license, medical, birth certificates or any proof of ID, proof of address and proof of income. Follow-up visits are required, usually every two months.

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