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WIC Nutrition

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a federal nutrition program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, women who have recently been pregnant, infants, and children under five years of age who meet certain eligibility requirements (including income level).

Eligible program participants receive:

  • Nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support
  • Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) funds which can be used to buy qualified food

Check to see if you may be eligible... (links to WIC prescreening tool)
This tool helps you know if you may be eligible for WIC. It is NOT an application for WIC.

Facts about WIC 

Did you know these things about the Sarasota County WIC Program?
  • WIC services are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday.
  • Appointments are available for those who need them.
  • A family of 4 earning $4,810 or less per month meets WIC income requirements.
  • Women are not required to show proof of pregnancy to receive WIC benefits.
  • Women who have had pregnancy losses are still eligible to receive WIC benefits for up to 6 months after delivery.
  • Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are available to provide breastfeeding support to WIC clients.
  • WIC has hospital-grade electric breast pumps that can be loaned to WIC mothers who have infants in the NICU. We also have single-user electric breast pumps we can give to full-time working mothers or students who are fully breastfeeding rather than receiving formula from WIC. Breast pumps are issued only during regular walk-in hours or by scheduled appointment.
  • WIC helps families buy fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.
  • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal-opportunity provider and employer.

Breastfeeding Support 

Research has shown that there is no better food than breast milk for a baby’s first year of life. Breastfeeding provides many health, nutritional, economical and emotional benefits to mother and baby. Since a major goal of the WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants, WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their infants. WIC has historically promoted breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice, unless medically contraindicated.
  • WIC mothers are provided with breastfeeding information through counseling and educational materials.
  • Breastfeeding mothers receive follow-up support through peer counselors.
  • Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers.
  • Mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants receive an enhanced food package.
  • Breastfeeding mothers can receive breast pumps or other items that may be needed to help support the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.

 

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

If you have difficulty understanding English or have a disability, free language assistance or other aids and services are available upon request.

Additional Resources