WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC is a federal program designed to provide food to low income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children until the age of five.

The program provides nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals for health/dental care. Evidence suggests that women who participate in WIC have improved pregnancy outcomes, resulting in healthier babies and reduced newborn medical costs.

WIC also dramatically lowers infant mortality, and improves children’s diets. Some changes to the food package will be effective Oct. 1, 2012 and the brand of contract formula for the N.C. WIC Program will change form Mead Johnson to Gerber Good Start Brand.

This may mean a change for your baby. If your baby receives a special formula that is prescribed by their doctor, no change will be made. If you have been receiving an Enfamil formula, your food instruments dated on or after Oct. 1 will have a new formula on them.

The N.C. WIC program also targets specific behaviors such as: breastfeed yourbaby, increase fiber, lower the fat, eat more fruit/vegetables, and whole grains.If you reside in Sampson County, to apply for WIC please contact The Sampson County Health Department between the hours of 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 592-1131.