A study published in the Journal of American Medicine showed children getting nutrition on the Women-Infants-Children program, or WIC, are one-third less likely to die during their first year than children not on the program.
The supplemental low-income nutrition program is under scrutiny for federal budget cuts.
In Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services oversees the program. Lisa Murphy is the state WIC director and details who is eligible for the program...
"...If you are a pregnant woman, postpartum breastfeeding, infants and children up to age five qualify for the program. It provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information and support. Supplemental food, that's a nutrition support package not just any foods. It's for the particular needs of those participants..."
Murphy says your income and eligibility are checked when you request the program and is checked every year where you sign up. She says the food list is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture...
"...Milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, beans. Extra food for the breast-feeding mom. It is breast-feeding support which isn't a food benefit, but a definite benefit for the breastfeeding babies. When they turn 6 months, they get some baby foods. Then at one year the child gets a package that includes cereal, whole grains and fruits and vegetables as well..."
The study analyzed he birth certificates of babies born to more than 11 million women this decade. It included data on mothers participating in WIC. Three million children receive monthly food supplements, including 1 million infants. Experts say the progam has received bipartisan support in the past.
More information is through county social services or health departments.
