FOOD PROVIDED BY WIC

The exact amount of food depends on things such as the child's age and whether or not a mother is breastfeeding.

Fully breastfeeding mothers (whose babies are not on formula) receive ID folder and checks for tuna, carrots and seven gallons of milk plus one pound cheese each month, 100% fruit juice, fortified cereals, eggs, peanut butter and dried beans. Pregnant women and partial breastfeeding mothers (whose babies use formula) receive no tuna, no carrots, and less milk; and either peanut butter or dried beans. Postpartum women receive less milk, and no carrots, tuna, peanut butter or beans.

Children receive similar packages to mothers. Children over one year old and under two years old are restricted to whole milk while older children and women may have whole, 2%, or skim milk.

Infants over 4 months old receive infant cereal and over 6 months old receive infant juices. Bottle-fed babies receive contract formulas. Breastfed babies are healthier and sometimes breastfeeding mothers want some supplemental formula.

Certification occurs every 6 months. Between certifications clients attend nutrition sessions and receive supplemental food checks for one or two month periods.