What is WIC?
The Oregon Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program provides food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant women, infants and children under five healthy and strong. WIC provides information that helps families access maternal, prenatal and pediatric health care services.
WIC Works Wonders!
For Women
Women in the WIC program eat better, have healthier babies and receive early prenatal care.
For Infants
Infants born to WIC mothers weigh more and grow and develop better.
For Children
Children on WIC eat foods with more iron and vitamin C, visit their doctors regularly and receive their shots.
Who is Eligible for WIC?
You are eligible if you:
- Live in Oregon
- Are a pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months after delivery) or breastfeeding woman, an infant or child under five years of age
- Have a nutritional need as determined by our certified professional nutritionist
- Have a gross income at or below the income levels listed www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/WIC/income.shtml
- You are automatically income eligible for WIC if you currently receive TANF, Food Stamps or the Oregon Health Plan.
- Fathers, guardians or foster parents may apply for WIC for their children.
How to Apply For WIC
To make an appointment, call the Crook County Health Department at (541) 447-5165. WIC Program staff will tell you what to bring to your appointment.
At your appointment, a WIC certified professional will check your diet and review your health history.
If you are eligible, you will receive nutrition information and counseling, referrals to other services and food instruments (vouchers) to buy foods such as:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Tuna fish
- Cereal
- Fruit juice
- Infant formula
- Peanut butter
- Carrots
- Dried beans & peas
- Baby jar foods
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
These foods help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, babies and children health and strong.
How WIC Works
The WIC staff is a caring team of experts who provide:
- Counseling on how to use WIC foods to improve health
- Food instruments to buy foods that help keep you healthy and strong
- Information and referrals for prenatal care and shots for your baby
- Support with Breastfeeding your Baby
- Classes on shopping for foods, recipes and taking care of your baby
- Information on good eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and how to feed your child
- Referrals to other services like Immunizations, and programs like Food Stamps, TANF and the Oregon Health Plan
Classes
WIC offers a wide variety of educational classes for clients, including an array of classes in Spanish. Clients receive nutrition counseling at each certification appointment and are required to attend at least one nutrition education class in each 6 month certification period.
Outreach Services
WIC provides clinics quarterly to Mitchell, Post and Paulina. Call the clinic to set up an appointment in one of these locations.
For more information please call the Crook County Health Dept. at 541-447-5165.