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Nutrition and WIC -- Helping
to Build a Healthier Iowa
1-800-532-1579
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WIC is the Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women,
Infants, and
Children. |
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Why refer families to WIC?
Because WIC provides:
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Nutrition counseling and
education
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Breastfeeding promotion
and support. .
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Checks to purchase
nutritious foods or formulas for special needs at WIC-authorized
grocery stores or pharmacies.
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Immunization screening
and referrals.
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Health and social
service referrals.
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WIC promotes breastfeeding
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Who is eligible for WIC?
WIC serves children under 5 years old and
women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have been pregnant in the last
6 months, and who:
- Are residents of Iowa
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Meet WIC income guidelines:
185% of the federal poverty level, based on household size. All children
eligible for Medicaid meet WIC income guidelines.
- Have a medical or nutritional need, as determined at the WIC certification
appointment. Examples of qualifying needs:
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Medical
conditions that affect food intake or nutrition status.
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Abnormal
height or weight.
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Low intake
of essential nutrients.
Inappropriate
feeding practices.
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Conditions
that predispose to inadequate nutrition patterns, such as lead poisoning,
teen pregnancy, or a primary caregiver with limited ability to make
appropriate feeding decisions and/or prepare food.
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To help families find, and use, WIC services:
- Display posters
and brochures in your office.
- Include WIC information
in education or enrollment packets.
- Talk with
families about the benefits of WIC. Many families qualify who aren’t
on Medicaid; a family of four can make over $30,000 and still be eligible.
- Provide families
with written height, weight, and hemoglobin information to bring to
WIC. This shortens the time they need to spend at WIC certification
appointments.
Call
1-800-532-1579 to find the local WIC agency nearest you.
WIC services are provided in every county in Iowa.
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