The Parenting with a Plan! program in St. John Parish completed another class on the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program with guest speaker registered dietitian, Roxanne Campbell. Mrs. Campbell works for the St. John Parish Health Unit in Reserve, Louisiana. Mrs. Campbell defined WIC as a special supplemental nutrition program for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under 5 years old.
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition information and referrals to other health and social services. Mrs. Campbell stressed the importance of nutrition during growth and development and how nutrition improves the health of our children, our society and future generations. This means that good nutrition during pregnancy, infancy and childhood can help build a fit and healthy population.
Pregnant women are encouraged to participate in the WIC Program to encourage healthy eating habits, which in turn improves weight gain during pregnancy and helps produce robust babies with fewer health problems at birth.
Who is eligible for WIC?
To be eligible for WIC the following criteria must be followed: meet income requirement guidelines; be a resident of Louisiana; have a nutrition-related problem; be pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, have an infant or children between the ages of 1-5 years old. Participants must bring proof of income (pay stub, showing gross income, letter from employer with salary amount, social security benefits, alimony or child support payment), proof of residence (rent receipt, utility bill) and proof of identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, state, school, or work ID).
What are the benefits of WIC?
Each person receives monthly food instruments and cash value vouchers. If breastfeeding, participants receive a breastfeeding promotional bag, a breastfeeding bowl, spoon and cup, “money matters” grocery bag recyclable tote and lots of educational information.
Breastfeeding is more nutritious and prevents infections in babies. Breastfeeding also helps babies to have less colic.
What foods are available on WIC?
The following foods are provided to WIC participants: Eggs, peanut butter, dried beans and beans, cheese, milk, tuna fish, pink salmon, bread (100% whole grain), brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
There is also a list of foods that are not allowed and they include: extra large, medium, small or brown eggs; canned, fresh or frozen beans; flavored milk, butter milk or soy milk; white, albacore; flavored or seasoned tuna; red, blue back or organic salmon; white bread; buns, rolls, bagels, frozen dough or organic bread; white, flavored, wild or organic rice; white potatoes; herbs and spices; party trays; bagged greens; salad bar items; dried beans; and nut mixtures.