What Is WIC?
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What is WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, usually called WIC, is a government nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children up to age 5. WIC offers free nutritious food, nutrition education, and referrals for health and social service programs. WIC strongly encourages breastfeeding, and provides support to breastfeeding mothers.
WIC serves low-income women and children who are at risk of developing medical or nutritional problems. Fathers, guardians, and foster parents may apply for their children.
Over 67,000 New Mexico women and children get WIC benefits each year.
Who runs the WIC program?
WIC is a federal program, run by the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In New Mexico, the New Mexico Department of Health, Public Health Division and Indian Tribal Organizations are in charge of WIC.
WIC offers full-time and part-time services at over 110 health offices and satellite clinics throughout New Mexico. There are four mobile WIC clinics that serve clients in remote areas.
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