States needed to coordinate referrals to social services including immunization, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, child abuse counseling, and family planning.The supplemental foods should contain nutrients found lacking in the target population, and have relatively low levels of fat, sugar, and salt.1978: Legislation introduced new elements into the Program:.WIC had initially provided supplemental foods to children up to age 4 and to breast-feeding postpartum mothers. 1975: Eligibility was extended to nonbreastfeeding women (up to 6 months postpartum) and children up to age 5.1975: WIC was established as a permanent Program by legislation P.L.1974: The first WIC site opened in Kentucky in January.1972: WIC was piloted as a supplemental food program aimed at improving the health of pregnant mothers, infants and children in response to growing concern over malnutrition among many poverty-stricken mothers and young children.Increase pregnant women’s consumption of key nutrients such as iron, protein, calcium, and Vitamins A and C.Increase access to prenatal care earlier in pregnancy.Reduce the incidence of low-iron anemia.
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WIC provides certain healthy foods to supplement the dietary needs of participants to ensure good health and development. Dietary Guidelines recommended amount of protein or iron in their diet. Nutrition risk: Applicants are screened by health professionals for 1) Medically-based risks such as anemia, underweight, smoking, maternal age, history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes and 2) diet-based risks such as not consuming the U.S.Poverty Income Guidelines, or be enrolled in TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid. Low-income: Applicants must have income at or below 185 percent of the U.S.WIC is for low-income pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. Screenings and Referrals for Healthcare and Social Services The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a short-term intervention program designed to influence lifetime nutrition and health behaviors in a targeted, high-risk population.