WIC | Women, Infants and Children

Created by: Brandi-Nicole M. Anastacio, KCC-ADN, NURS 320, Prof. Aganon

What is WIC? WIC is a state run, federally funded nutrition program that provides vouchers for food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support. Who is WIC for? Pregnant women, as soon as confirmed by a doctor Breastfeeding women, up to 1 year after birth Non-breastfeeding women, up to 6 months after birth Children up to 5 years old
**Must answer yes to one of the above AND meet financial income guidelines created by the Department of Health and Human Services. Legal guardians (i.e. Father, Grandparents etc.) may also bring children in, but may not qualify themselves.

How to apply for WIC? Make an appointment by calling (808) 586-8080 Client must bring: Proof of income
o If client receives Medicaid, Quest, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or food stamps, they financially qualify

Proof of identity Proof of Hawaii Address Baby/children needing WIC Immunization records

HELPFUL RESOURCES Site Locations and Hours of Operation: http://health.hawaii.gov/wic/files/2013/08/ Hawaii-WIC-Hours-of-Operation.pdf WIC Allowed Food list: http://health.hawaii.gov/wic/files/2013/05/ foodlist_webfinal_10012013.pdf Retail Locations on Oahu: http://health.hawaii.gov/wic/files/2013/05/ oahu_vendor.pdf

How much does it cost? For Clients: FREE For State: 2010-2011, $28,838,025 (Food & Benefits) How does WIC help the community? It decreases medical costs by increasing nutritional awareness and support to an at risk population of women and children when needed the most. How does WIC work? After determining the clients eligibility, a brief physical exam will be performed for height, weight, and possible blood draw. Then a determination will be made on which food package will help nutritionally support the client. The client will then receive food vouchers and be asked to return every 2-3 months to the facility to receive new vouchers. The client will then be re-evaluated, financially and physically. At this time they will also attend a free nutrition class coordinated by an on-site registered dietician. Vouchers, food or cash (for fruits and vegetables), may be redeemed at local designated retailers for predetermined items on the WIC approved food list. Cash vouchers are for a specific amount from $6-$8 per week for fruits and/or vegetables. If a mother is breastfeeding, she is provided with the support of a board certified lactation consultant and if needed, breast pumps are available for borrowing, monthly. What is a disadvantage of WIC? Because it is funded by a federal fund budgeted for a specific amount per year, there is a chance that funds will not be able to cover the needs of everyone. In this case, WIC applicants will be placed on a priority list and only those with the highest priority will receive benefits. So far, Hawaii has not experienced a max of benefits to date.

References Food and Nutrition Service. (2012, November, 20). About WIC. Retrieved from http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/aboutwic/wicat aglance.htm State of Hawaii Department of Health. (2013). Women, infants and children. Retrieved from http://health.hawaii.gov/wic/

185% Federal Poverty Level

(Effective 7/1/2013-6/30/2014)

Household Size

Annual 1 2 3 4 5 6 $24,476 33,023 41,570 50,117 58,664 67,211

Monthly $2,040 2,752 3,465 4,177 4,889 5,601

Twice-Monthly $1,020 1,376 1,733 2,089 2,445 2,801

Bi-Weekly $942 1,271 1,599 1,928 2,257 2,586

Weekly $471 636 800 964 1,129 1,293