WIC & Breastfeeding

What is WIC?

Missouri Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program which provides services to women, infants and children.  The primary services provided are nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, and referrals to other services and resources.  Supplemental food is provided at no cost to participants.

For more information on WIC click here.

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for the WIC Program, applicants must meet requirements in four areas:

1. Categorical: WIC serves pregnant women, non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to six months after delivery or end of the pregnancy), breastfeeding women (up to one year after delivery while nursing), infants and children from birth to five years of age.
2. Residential: Missouri WIC serves residents of Missouri. Residents are not required to live in the county where they receive services.
3. Income: Applicants must meet the income guidelines which are based on 185 percent of the federal poverty level. To check the current income guidelines click here.
4. Nutritional: Applicants must be seen by a health professional, who will assess nutritional risk factors during the certification process.

BENEFITS AND SERVICES

The primary services provided are nutrition education, breastfeeding education, breastfeeding support and referrals to other services and resources.

In addition, supplemental foods are provided at no cost to the program participant.  The WIC food package contains specific foods to help meet you or your child’s individual nutritional needs and is a supplement to a complete, balanced diet.  It is also consistent with the American Dietary Guidelines, My Plate, and current infant feeding recommendations.

WIC participants receive an EBT card to purchase specific foods each month that are designed to supplement their diets.

To view WIC approved foods click here.

To find a WIC store or agency click here.

BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION AND SUPPORT

Since a major goal of the WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants, WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their infants.  WIC promotes breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice.

For more information on breastfeeding click here.

APPLY FOR WIC SERVICES

To apply for WIC, please contact the Gasconade County Health Department by phone at 573-486-3129 or click here for more contact information.

At your first WIC appointment you will need to bring the following:

1. Proof of identity: Bring identity for everyone who will be on the WIC Program.

• Examples include a photo identity such as a driver’s license, State ID card, school ID card, immunization record, birth certificate or hospital record.

2. Proof of address: Bring documentation of where you live.

• Examples include a current utility/personal bill (within last 30 days), current rent or mortgage receipt, current Voter Registration card, pay stub which has name and physical address or correspondence from a government office that does not provide WIC services.

3. Proof of household income: Bring proof of income for everyone in your household.

• Examples include current employment/unemployment pay stubs, signed statement from an employer, W-2 forms or last year’s income tax returns. If you currently receive SNAP (Food Stamps), MO HealthNet (Medicaid-Title 19) or TANF, you can bring proof of your participation in these programs instead of proof of household income.

WIC CLINIC HOURS

Hermann

By appointment only, call 573-486-3129.

Usually, the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of every month

Owensville

By appointment only, call 573-486-3129.

Usually, every Wednesday  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Non Discrimination Statement https://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/frauddatalinks/nondiscrimination/