The Saint Louis County Department of Health has signed a contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to continue local WIC services through federal fiscal year 2011.
“WIC” is shorthand for the federally-sponsored “Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.” The program serves nearly half of all infants born in the United States as well as their mothers. Under the terms of the new contract, Saint Louis County will be able to serve up to 9,882 WIC-eligible people every month.
The WIC program provides nutritious supplemental foods and individualized nutrition education and counseling for at risk pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to five years of age. Last year in Saint Louis County, the WIC program issued checks for 117,766 packages of food.
WIC also makes critical referrals as needed to other health care and public assistance programs. In addition, it provides breast feeding education and sponsors support groups open to residents of Saint Louis County.
Eligibility for WIC services is based on income, family size, and nutritional risk. A family of three would qualify if their annual earnings were $33,874 or less, whereas a family of eight could earn up to $68,469 annually and still qualify. Pregnant women are counted as two family members.
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Currently, there are four WIC sites in Saint Louis County. For additional information about the WIC program, call 314-679-7900 or visit www.stlouisco.com/doh.
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