WIC currently serves over 4,000 clients each month between the Central and North sites at People’s Health Centers. The program aims to improve the health of families in St. Louis and surrounding communities by offering nutrition and health education to pregnant and post-partum women. Families that participate in WIC also receive education about proper feeding practices for children under the age of five. WIC also promotes services in St. Louis by offering referrals to programs that WIC families find useful. Lastly, WIC sets excellent examples for food selection by supplying participants on the program with benefits to purchase nutritious foods.
Free counseling sessions with and access to a nutritionist or dietitian
Referrals to other programs in the community (Food Stamps, Head Start, Parents as Teachers, and other social services)
Help with breastfeeding (WIC has a breastfeeding peer counselor and Certified Breastfeeding Educators to answer questions and give instruction)
Breast pumps for collecting breastmilk are available upon request
A limited amount of formula for infants
Free counseling sessions with and access to a nutritionist or dietitian
Referrals to other programs in the community (Food Stamps, Head Start, Parents as Teachers, and other social services)
Help with breastfeeding (WIC has a breastfeeding peer counselor and Certified Breastfeeding Educators to answer questions and give instruction)
Breast pump rentals (Clients give a one-time $50 deposit to receive a pump, and the money is returned once the pump is returned in good condition)
Vouchers or checks to buy nutritious foods to supplement the diet
A limited amount of formula for infants
Grain: bread, cereal, rice, tortillas
Fruit: fresh fruit, frozen fruit, and100% fruit juice
Vegetable: fresh or frozen-fresh vegetables
Milk and Dairy: milk, cheese, soy milk, tofu, evaporated milk
Selected foods are presented to clients as a food package which is designed to meet each participant’s individual needs.
Pregnant women
Breastfeeding women (may receive WIC up to a year after the baby is born)
Non-breastfeeding women (may receive WIC up to 6 months after the baby is born)
Infants (0-12 months of age)
Children (under five years of age)
Missouri Resident
Clients must qualify financially to participate in WIC. Financial eligibility is based on the number in the family and total gross income of the household. Participants that currently use Medicaid, receive Food Stamps or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are considered to be financially eligible automatically and need not bring proof of their income.
Application to the WIC Program is by appointment only. During a WIC appointment:
An income assessment is completed.
A nutrition assessment is completed.
Clients meet with a nutritionist or dietitian to address any nutrition concerns.
A specific food package is prescribed for the client.
Benefits are issued the same day and may be used immediately.
