The Montgomery County Health Department announces the signing of a contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to continue providing WIC services for the federal fiscal year FY 27.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their fifth birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. The primary services provided are healthy, supplemental food; risk assessment; nutrition education and counseling; breastfeeding promotion and support; and health screening and referrals to health care.

To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have an income at or below 185 percent of the poverty level and be at nutritional risk.

WIC supplemental food packages are specially chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, hot and cold cereals, 100 percent fruit juices and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The WIC program recommends breastfeeding and provides breastfeeding support, baby foods and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental, iron-fortified formula. WIC participants obtain their food benefits by using their WIC cards to purchase specific items at participating local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy and eat healthier.
WIC is administered in Montgomery County by the Montgomery County Health Department. Persons interested in applying or needing more information should contact the Montgomery County Health Department at 573-564-2495. WIC clinics are offered at the following location: Montgomery County Health Department, 400 Salisbury, Montgomery City.

WIC is offered by appointment only the following days, hours: First Wednesday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; third Wednesday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and fourth Wednesday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.