About the Program
The Community Action Council provides WIC services to eligible residents of Mason and Thurston Counties. We serve low-income, nutritionally at-risk pregnant women, postpartum mothers and children up to their 5th birthday. Clients must meet income guidelines, a state residency requirement and be individually determined to be at medical or “Nutritional Risk” by a WIC certifier or registered dietitian.
What benefits do WIC participants receive?
WIC participants receive nutrition education and counseling as well as monthly checks for healthy foods to supplement their diets. WIC foods are typically high in one or more of the following nutrients: protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C and individual food packages can be provided for specialized client needs. In addition to nutrition education and supplemental foods, staff will also provide referrals to other health, welfare and social services when appropriate.
What are medical or nutritional risks?
Medically-based risks include conditions such as diabetes, food allergies, anemia, lung and cardiovascular disorders, over or underweight, history of pregnancy complications, history of poor pregnancy outcomes, gastrointestinal disorders and severe dental problems. Nutritional risks include inappropriate dietary patterns, unsafe food handling, inadequate or excessive use of vitamins or other supplements, and restrictive eating patterns. Staff at our Lacey and Shelton WIC clinics screen clients to determine if they are at medical or nutritional risk.
What are WIC’s Income Guidelines?
The income guidelines for WIC (effective
April 1, 2011–March 31, 2012)
|
Household or Family Size* |
Gross Per Year |
Gross Per Month |
| $20,147 | $1,679 | |
| 2 | $27,214 | $2,268 |
| 3 | $34,281 | $2, 1857 |
| 4 | $41,348 | $3,446 |
| 5 | $48,415 | $4,035 |
| 6 | $55,482 | $4,624 |
| 7 | $62,549 | $5,213 |
*A household is defined as a group of related or non-related individuals, who usually, although not necessarily, are living together and share income.
** Gross income is income before taxes and deductions.
If you receive Basic Food Program benefits, Medical Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) you are income eligible for WIC.
Foster children under age five and foster teens who are pregnant are income eligible for WIC.
A woman who is pregnant is counted as a family of two. If she is having twins, she is counted as a family of three.
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The WIC Farmers’ Market Program provides coupons to WIC participants that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Farmers’ Markets. The program has two goals: to provide nutritious food to clients, and to promote the use of Farmers’ Markets.
Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program
The peer counseling program provides a unique opportunity for new moms to talk to someone who is not only trained in providing breastfeeding support, but is also someone like them – someone who they can relate to and feel comfortable sharing concerns. Breastfeeding peer counselors add to the breastfeeding promotion and support WIC staff to serve pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Our WIC clinics are busy places, and sometimes staff aren’t able to spend as much time as they would like in order to help with breastfeeding. Peer counselors provide essential support for breastfeeding mothers, especially during the critical early days and weeks of infants’ lives.
“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Washington WIC does not discriminate.”
Please click here for information regarding some of the Grants that support WIC.