How Does the WIC Program Impact Families?

The WIC program stands as a beacon of hope for families whose nutrition and healthcare would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.

The success of the WIC program.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is considered one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective public health nutrition programs. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC’s mission is to safeguard the health of women, infants, and children under age 5 who are otherwise at nutrition risk.

By providing nutritious foods, information on healthy eating, and referrals to healthcare, WIC has profoundly impacted millions of lives across the United States. However, many may be surprised to learn the significance of WIC on national, state, and local levels. Let’s look at the facts.

National WIC facts.

Success and Cost-Effectiveness:
WIC's reputation as the nation's most successful and cost-effective public health nutrition program speaks volumes about its effectiveness. Addressing income-qualified individuals' nutritional needs helps mitigate health disparities and improves overall health and well-being.

Mission:
At its core, WIC aims to protect the health of low-income women, infants, and young children by providing essential nutrition support. This includes supplementing diets with nutritious foods, offering guidance on healthy eating, and facilitating healthcare access.

Wide Reach:
Approximately 7 million women, infants, and children annually benefit from the WIC program in the United States. Notably, WIC serves almost half of all infants born in the country, emphasizing its importance in early childhood nutrition and development.

Illinois WIC Facts.

Statewide Impact:
In Illinois, over 168,000 residents receive support through the WIC program. These individuals are provided with essential access to nutritious food and other healthcare resources to ensure a healthy start in life.

Funding Distribution:
Funds for WIC are granted to 92 local health departments and community-based organizations throughout Illinois. These agencies provide services, including nutrition information and food benefits, to qualified WIC participants. In the current federal fiscal year, $154.8 million in WIC food benefits are expected to be spent in Illinois, underscoring the program's economic significance.

Nutrient-Dense Food Packages:
WIC participants receive a monthly food package containing nutrient-dense foods such as milk, whole grains, and lean protein. A "cash value benefit" is also provided for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.

Economic Impact:
The steady increase in WIC food benefit redemptions in Illinois demonstrates the program's economic impact.

Moultrie County WIC facts.

Community Reach:
The Moultrie County Health Department is expected to serve over 201 individuals per month through the WIC Program this year. This local engagement demonstrates the importance of WIC at the local level.

Economic Boost:
The economic impact of WIC food benefit redemptions locally over the last three years saw a steady increase. In FY23, WIC had an economic impact of more than $104,403.52 in Moultrie County, reflecting its role in sustaining local businesses. This money is spent on nutritious foods in and around Moultrie County.

Most importantly, the funding provided through WIC assists local families and contributes to the local economy.

Why WIC?

Inclusive Eligibility:
WIC is for families, whether employed or not, so long as they meet the income guidelines. This inclusivity ensures that those in need receive support.

Healthy Foods and Nutrition Support:
WIC participants benefit from healthy foods, nutrition information, breastfeeding support, and community assistance. WIC foods are rich in essential nutrients like calcium, iron, folic acid, and protein. These nutrients are critical for good nutrition for women, infants, and children.

Positive Outcomes:
Families participating in WIC experience longer, safer pregnancies with fewer premature births and infant deaths. Additionally, these same families achieve improved dietary outcomes for infants and children, better maternal health, and improved performance at school.

Economic Benefits:
Beyond health advantages, WIC participants demonstrate significant savings in healthcare costs compared to non-participants, reflecting the long-term cost-effectiveness of the program.

WIC: The right combination for success.

The WIC program's impact on both national and local levels is undeniable. It provides crucial nutritional support to millions of women, infants, and children and contributes to the well-being of communities and local economies.

The combination of healthy foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals creates a holistic approach to improving lives. As WIC continues safeguarding the health and future of income-qualified families nationwide, its role in building healthier, happier communities cannot be overstated.

If you or someone you know is interested or may qualify for the WIC program, encourage them to contact their local WIC provider today.
For more information or to enroll in the WIC program in Moultrie County, please contact the Moultrie County Health Department at 217-728-4114. We look forward to serving you.