RALEIGH — This year, North Carolina is celebrating 50 years of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC.
WIC makes a major impact to the lives of more than 230,000 women, infants and children in North Carolina annually by providing access to supplemental healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support and referrals for health care and social services. The program is also a major contributor to North Carolina’s economy, infusing almost $200 million in federal funds into North Carolina as families purchased approved items at more than 1,500 food retailers in the last state fiscal year alone.
“WIC supports half of all infants born in North Carolina by providing access to the best resources and services for mothers and children,” said Yvonne Copeland, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child and Family Well-Being. “This year, we recognize an incredible milestone in the evolution of maternal and child health care with the 50th anniversary of the WIC program. Since the opening of the first clinic in 1974, WIC has been an unwavering beacon of support committed to improving public health outcomes for women, infants and children.”
The program helps ensure mothers, babies and young children have the food and support they need for a strong and healthy start. Over the years, USDA evaluations of WIC have shown that women who participate in in the program have improved pregnancy and birth outcomes, resulting in healthier babies. In addition, children who receive WIC benefits have demonstrated improved intellectual development, which helps equip them to start school.
In 1974, WIC provided supplemental food to 88,000 people in America whose average food benefit was $15.88 per month. In its 50-year history, the program has grown exponentially. In 2023, WIC provided food for 6.6 million women, infants, and children nationally whose average food benefit was $56 per month. WIC Food Benefits provide a wide range of foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals and dairy products and the monetary value of the benefits can reach up to $240 monthly.
WIC is available to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. Foster families with qualifying individuals may also be eligible to receive WIC benefits. To be eligible, NC WIC participants must live in North Carolina and meet WIC Income Guidelines by having a family income less than 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines (e.g., less than $57,720 annual income for a family of four). Those who are receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (also known as Work First), or NC Food and Nutrition Services automatically meet WIC Income Guidelines.
For more information about applying for WIC benefits visit www.ncdhhs.gov/ncwic/mywic.
