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The Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides monthly food benefits that can be redeemed at approximately 2,800 authorized retail food vendors statewide. WIC benefits are given on an easy-to-use eWIC card that works like a debit card.

OVERVIEW

Benefits

390,000 infants, children, and pregnant mothers receive benefits from WIC. (NYSDOH, 2022)

Participation

Only 50.4% of estimated eligible women, infants and children participate in WIC. (NYSDOH, 2019)

Young Children

Only 41.8% of eligible young children age 1-4 participate in WIC, compared to 79.2% of eligible infants. (NYSDOH, 2019)

Every Dollar Invested

Every dollar invested in WIC saves an estimated $2.48 in medical, educational, and productivity costs. (NWA, 2022)

WIC Eligibility

Women may be eligible for WIC if they are:

  • Pregnant
  • A mother of a baby up to 6 months old
  • A mother of a breastfeeding baby up to 12 months old
  • Have a child under age 5

To get WIC, a mother and/or her child must:

Note: Primary caregivers can apply for WIC benefits for a child in their care, if the child is under age 5.

Benefits of participation

Food insecurity in infancy and early childhood can have long-term health impacts. WIC participation is associated with healthier births, improved birth weights, reduced risk of infant mortality, better infant-feeding practices, more nutritious diets, better access to primary and preventive health care, healthier neighborhood food environments, and improved cognitive development and academic achievement in childhood.

WIC Outreach Resource Center

You can count on WIC

Promote the benefits of WIC! Find outreach materials to use in your community here.

View WIC Outreach Resources

Learn more: USDA WIC, NYS WIC program

We can help

We can provide you with WIC outreach materials, program information, and ways to help promote WIC in your communities. Contact Misha Marvel, Manager, Early Childhood Nutrition Policy & Engagement, for assistance.

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