WIC Nutrition Program
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
Eligibility is based four criteria. To be eligible for WIC you must:
- Be an Oregon resident.
- Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
- Have a household income less than 185% of poverty guidelines.
- Have a nutritional need or risk.
Overview
WIC is a public health nutrition program designed to improve health outcomes and influence lifetime nutrition and health behaviors in a targeted, at-risk population by providing:
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding promotion
- Supplemental nutritious foods
- Partnerships with and referral to other public and private community groups
The WIC supplemental foods offered each month are not intended to meet all the nutritional needs for a balanced diet, but to help enhance the specific nutrients that are important during pregnancy/lactation in women, and rapid growth periods in infancy and young children.
Education
Nutrition education is the cornerstone of the WIC Program.
Linn County WIC offers a variety of nutrition education opportunities, where participants can learn about current nutrition and health information specific to their personal interests and health goals.
Linn County WIC has nutrition and breastfeeding professionals available at no cost to assist participants with challenging nutrition and/or breastfeeding concerns.
Supplemental Foods and Infant Formulas
Many exciting changes are occurring in 2009 to the WIC food package. For current information regarding WIC food packages please visit
Oregon State WIC website: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/wic/index.shtml
WIC provides a maximum of 9 cans of formula per month for fully formula fed infants.
How much will your baby need?
These amounts are approximate and your baby may need more or less than the amount listed.
| Age | Formula to be Used Each Month |
Formula to Purchase | Approx. Cost |
| 0-3 months | 6-8 cans | None | $0 |
| 4-6 months | 8-14 cans | Up to 5 cans | $75 |
| 6-12 months | 8-11 cans | Up to 3 cans | $45 |
Plan to purchase additional cans of infant formula, as your baby’s needs increase. Always follow directions to make sure you dilute the formula correctly. Improper dilution can be dangerous to your baby’s health.
Making the Most of the WIC infant formula
- When your baby is young, buy all of the formula WIC allows even if your baby doesn’t need it all yet. Save it for when your baby gets older.
- Use your food stamps to buy infant formula.
- If you get food stamps, buy extra formula at the beginning of the month. This will prevent you from running out at the end of the month.
- Only prepare as much formula your baby will drink to prevent waste. If you have extra, refrigerate it promptly and use within 24 hours.
- Clip coupons when you find them and ask family members to do the same. Call Similac at 1-800-232-7677 or visit www.similac.com to find more coupons and special offers.
Food Resources
Linn County WIC program does not provide emergency food services.
If you have a food emergency, here are some resources within Linn County.
| City | Service | Telephone Number/Address |
| Albany | FISH of Albany | 1880 SE Hill St. Open Mon.-Fri. 9am-3pm 541-928-4460 |
| Lebanon | FISH of Lebanon | First Presbyterian Church Ash & 2nd Street Open Mon.- Fri. 9am-3pm Call first. 541-259-3200 |
| Sweet Home | Sweet Home Emergency Services | 1025 Main Street Open Tues. 10am-12:30pm Open Wed. 10am-12:30pm Open Sat. 10am-1pm 541-367-6504 |
| Harrisburg | God's Storehouse | 180 Smith Street Open Tues.-Thurs. 9am-4pm 541-995-8403 |