The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is an American federal assistance program of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for healthcare and nutrition of low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under the age of five as part of child nutrition programs. Their mission is to be a partner with other services that are key to childhood and family well-being.[1] WIC serves 53% of all infants born in the United States.[2]
The basic eligibility requirement is a family income below 185% of the federal poverty level. Most states allow automatic income eligibility, where a person or family participating in certain benefits programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, may automatically meet the income eligibility requirements.
- ^ "Immunization Screening and Referral in WIC". United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
- ^ "About WIC- WIC at a Glance". www.fns.usda.gov/wic. Retrieved 2013-11-19.