Women Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC services include screening for program eligibility (income, height, weight, blood iron level, health history), nutrition education classes on a variety of topics, personalized nutrition counseling for clients, breastfeeding education, and support and counseling services.
Location of Services
- 769 Pipestone, Benton Harbor
- 1205 N. Front St., Niles
- 21 N. Elm, Three Oaks
Target Group
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who have recently had a baby, infants from birth to 12 months, and children from 1 to 5 years.
Eligibility Requirements
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who have recently had a baby, infants from birth to 12 months, and children from 1 to 5 years who are also:
- Residents of the state of Michigan.
- Income eligible (at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines or on Medicaid or food stamps).
- Determined by clinic staff in local agencies to be at nutritional and/or health risk.
Cost of Services
None
Contact Person
Contact information:
- Benton Harbor — (269) 927-5646
- Niles — (269) 684-2800 ext. 6510
- Three Oaks — (269) 756-2008
WIC Provides:
Food. Coupons for nutritious foods are provided to supplement and enhance the diet. Women and children can receive milk, cheese, eggs, juice, cereal, and dry peas/beans or peanut butter. Full-time breastfeeding women also receive tuna and carrots. WIC encourages women to breastfeed because of the many benefits for both baby and mother. Non-breastfed and part-time breastfed infants receive iron-fortified infant formula. All infants receive infant cereal and infant juice at four months of age. Coupons can be redeemed for food at stores throughout Michigan which are approved to accept WIC coupons.
Nutrition Education. Nutrition education is offered to all WIC participants and their caregivers. Common topics include nutrition during pregnancy, encouragement for breastfeeding, nutrition during childhood, and wise food shopping.
Referrals. An added benefit of the WIC Program is screening for other health problems and referrals to other appropriate health and social services. These referrals may be for Medicaid, food stamps, immunizations, child health screening, family planning, breastfeeding support and more.
Additional Information
WIC income guidelines are updated every year – check with the WIC staff if you have questions on income eligibility.
The Berrien County Health Department is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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