What Is WIC?
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that offers nutritional services, such as providing regulated yet nutritious food benefits, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and social service referrals. It was first established with the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and found its way into Erie County, Pennsylvania in 1973.
How WIC works
- A WIC program application is completed by a low to middle-income mother or caregiver of a child under the age of five.
- A WIC nutritional assessment is completed to determine whether the mother or child is at nutritional risk and to determine which services may be of use.
- Supplemental food benefits are individually tailored to approved WIC participants based on the findings of the nutritional assessment.
- Referrals may be made to additional services to help protect and ensure the child and caregiver's food security.
Apply for WIC
Get access to free nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, education, counseling, and more.