Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will observe National Enrollment Week from Oct. 7-11. Throughout the week, state and local agencies will share resources and information about nutrition services, breastfeeding support, and eligibility to support and enroll more families in the WIC program.

WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support and education. Dietitians work with participants and caregivers to help them meet their nutrition goals for themselves and their children. They also provide referrals for other services as needed.

Participants are able to get specific nutritious foods including milk, cheese, yogurt, cereal, eggs, 100% fruit juice, beans or peanut butter, whole grain products and fruits and veg at a local grocery store.  Infants receive age-appropriate foods and, if formula-fed, formula is received as well. 

According to the latest information, the food provided each month is worth about $74 per individual. For babies, WIC supports breastfeeding as the best nutrition for infants. If requested, WIC also provides baby formula, worth about $180 per month.

The WIC office at the Barton County Health Department served 610 participants in September, said Beverly Frizell, the local WIC coordinator.

“To sign up for WIC, prospective clients can call 620-793-1909 or they can stop by the Health Department at 1300 Kansas Ave to get an appointment,” Frizell said. (Those outside of Barton County should contact their local health department.)

Hours are:

• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday

• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

• 8 a.m. to noon Friday

The office is closed daily from noon to 1 p.m.

The bilingual staff speak English and Spanish

Who can enroll

The program is open to pregnant women; breastfeeding women up to their baby’s first birthday; non-breastfeeding mothers up to 6 months after their baby’s birth; and infants and children up to age 5. Frizell noted that foster parents can receive WIC for their foster children. A father, mother, or the legal guardian of a child under 5 years of age can apply for the child.

Income guidelines apply. The current maximum yearly household income for a two-person household (which may include an unborn baby), is $37,814 and for a four-person household it is $57,720. Actual income and eligibility will be determined during a WIC appointment.

For more information or to sign up, call the Health Department at 620-793-1909.