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The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (known as WIC) is a Federal assistance program of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for healthcare and nutrition of low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and infants and children under the age of five. The eligibility requirement is a family income below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. If a person who participates in other benefit programs, or has family members participate in the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, they automatically meet the eligibility requirements. This program is unrelated to the USDA's "Food Stamp" program.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children was created by a 1972 bill Senator Humphrey (D) of Minnesota introduced. It is a federally funded program established by Congress in September of 1972 under Public Law 92-433, section 17 to the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. [1] It was made permanent in 1975. Currently, WIC serves 45% of all infants born in the US. [2]
WIC participants often receive a monthly check or voucher. In many poor areas, "WIC stores" exist that only sell food for vouchers issued by the state WIC program, and do not accept any other form of payment. These stores charge the maximum permitted under the program, charging up to 16% more than regular stores for the same food. [3]
WIC provides cheese, milk, yogurt, and eggs for infants in need.
External links
- "WIC". Food and Nutrition Service. Retrieved on November 23, 2005.
- "WIC at a Glance". Retrieved on June 23, 2008.
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