The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC, is commemorating 50 years of dedicated service to Texans. The program provides healthy food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support at no cost to eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding moms and families with children younger than five.
Since opening its first clinic in March 1974 in Montgomery County, Texas WIC has provided support to more than 21 million individuals statewide. Today, the program serves more than 800,000 women, infants and children each month. There is also a local office located at 215 Reimer Ave Ste 100. The city of San Marcos WIC Program employs 19 full time employees to provide services in Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe and Comal Counties.
The approaching holidays highlight the continued role WIC plays in helping families enjoy nutritious meals.
“During the holidays, children and families are home more, and it can be a challenge to have nutritious and healthy meals and snacks at the table,” said Amanda Hovis, nutrition education and clinic services director for Texas WIC. “Texas WIC assists families with nutritious food so families can focus on purchasing the other items that they need.”
Texas WIC recipients receive fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese and other healthy foods. WIC also offers free breastfeeding and nutrition classes and one-onone counseling.
WIC sets a nutritional foundation for Texas families and children by providing the education, support and inspiration they are already seeking — to eat well, have safe pregnancies, breastfeed successfully and raise healthy families. The federally funded initiative ensures that families who might otherwise struggle to meet the nutritional needs of their children have the necessary resources to thrive and have peace of mind.
What’s more – WIC leads to healthier pregnancies and babies. Participation in WIC during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth and lower risk of infants needing care in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Women can apply for WIC as soon as they learn they are pregnant. Anyone with children under the age of five can apply for WIC, including dads, foster parents, guardians or grandparents.
WIC recently updated its income guidelines to allow more Texas families to participate. Eligibility for the WIC program depends on your income and the number of people in your household.
For more information or to apply, visit Texas-WIC.org/apply or call 800-942-3678. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission administers WIC in Texas. Find more information on WIC benefits and eligibility at TexasWIC.org.
