November 13, 2006

WIC Program Promotes New Initiatives

Nassau County Department of Health Women Infants and Childrens (WIC) Program Awarded Healthy Lifestyles Initiative Grant and First Books Grant to Benefit Thousands

The New York State Department of Health has awarded a Healthy Lifestyles grant to the Nassau County Department of Health Women Infants and Childrens (WIC) Program. The goal is to motivate WIC families to adopt a healthier lifestyle through increased physical activity and improved eating habits. This one-time funding will be used for Fit WIC (physical activity) kits for WIC enrolled children who will participate in physical activity classes and promotions during their WIC visits. Fit WIC classes will also include the “Say Yes to Less” program, which encourages participants to switch over to low fat milk by providing an actual milk taste test.

The Nassau WIC program has also been awarded a First Book grant for the second consecutive year. First Book is a national nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. This grant will permit WIC to continue to provide an ongoing supply of new books to children participating in the WIC program.

The Nassau County Department of Health Woman Infant and Children’s (WIC) Program is a federally-funded supplemental nutrition and education program that provides vouchers for foods and infant formula to women, infants and children who qualify under the federal nutritional and financial need guidelines. Nassau WIC currently provides services to over 12,000 participants monthly at six WIC sites, located in community-based agencies, hospitals and health centers throughout the County. They include Elmont, Westbury, Freeport, Hempstead, Glen Cove and Nassau University Medical Center.

Families with incomes up to 185% of poverty level are eligible to receive WIC benefits. For example, a pregnant woman, her husband and their one child is considered a family of four and is eligible for WIC if their gross annual income is below $37,000. Pregnant women are our highest priority.

Despite its proven benefits, only half the eligible families actually apply for WIC. If you would like to know more about WIC or have any questions, please call the WIC program at 516-571-3449, or find us on the Web at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/wic .