Wednesday, April 30, 2003

WIC nutrition program asks for comments

The Georgia Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program will hold its annual public comment period during the week of May 12-16. During this period, Georgians are invited to comment on the program and to suggest ways to improve WIC services. Comments may be sent in writing to the Georgia WIC Branch, Suite 10.444, Two Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 or by email to rmmerrell@dhr.state.ga.us.

The Georgia WIC program currently provides vouchers for supplemental foods such as cereal, eggs, juice, milk, peanut butter and infant formula to approximately 243,000 low-income women, infants and children. Women also receive nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and referrals to other health and social services.

Eligibility for WIC is based on nutritional need and gross income. Both working and unemployed women who are pregnant or have recently given birth and meet income guidelines are eligible.

Information about WIC is available at all county health departments, some military bases, and at Grady Health Systems and Southside Healthcare, Inc. in Atlanta. You may also call 1-866-814-5468, or go to http://health.state.ga.us/programs/wic. WIC is 100 percent federally funded and administered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health.