WIC
Women, Infants, and Children

 
WIC Clinic Hours

Monday through Thursday  7:00 am to 6:00 pm 

Phone:  903-784-1411 

Fax #: 903-784-1442 

STAFF

WIC Director                             Carla Rhodes L.V.N.                       wic6200@neto.com

WIC Nurse                                Rebecca Sanders L.V.N.                wic-rebecca@neto.com

Clerk                                         Elishia Brothers                               wic-elishia@neto.com

Clerk                                         Nita Johnson                                   wic-nita@neto.com

Clerk                                         Laura Smith                                     wic-laura@neto.com

Spanish Translators                  Patricia Vera, Alejandra Vera

German Translator                   Tina Friesen

Breastfeeding Counselors         Shannon Watkins, Patricia Vera, Alejandra Vera

What is WIC?

WIC, the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is an important resource in improving the health and nutrition of women, infants, and children during pregnancy and early childhood. Some of the services WIC offers include:

• Electronic benefits card provides for supplemental nutritious foods high in iron, calcium, protein, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
• Nutrition education focusing on issues such as healthy foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding, introducing solid foods to infants, and providing nutritious meals and snacks for children.
• Breastfeeding education and support on all aspects of breastfeeding.
• Referrals to other health and social service programs, such as prenatal and child health care and other food assistance programs.

Who is eligible for WIC?

Those eligible for WIC assistance include:

• Pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends)
   
• Breastfeeding women (up to infant’s first birthday)
   
• Non breastfeeding postpartum women (up to six months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends)
   
• Infants (up to first birthday)
   
• Children up to their fifth birthday

To be eligible, applicants must meet income guidelines, a State residency requirement, and be individually determined to be at “nutrition risk” by a health professional.

Income is defined as money earned in a year before taxes or other deductions are taken out. To be eligible for WIC income cannot exceed the following guidelines.

* One pregnant woman is a household of two. A pregnant woman expecting twins is a household of three.

For over 6 household members, or if you have any income questions, call the WIC Clinic at

 903-784-1441 .

What does nutritional risk mean?

WIC nutrition staff assess the presence of any medical conditions which may affect nutritional status and the appropriateness of usual dietary intake. Examples of medical conditions include: overweight or underweight for height, inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy, obstetrical problems, and iron deficiency. Participants may also be eligible due to a lack of the recommended daily amounts in the following food groups: milk products, protein foods, breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables.

What Type of food can you get through the WIC program?

• Milk
• Peanut Butter
• Cheese
• Dried Beans and Peas
• Eggs
• Iron Fortified Infant Formula
• Cereals High in Iron
• Infant Cereal and Juices
• Fruit Juices High in Vitamin C
• Carrots and Tuna fish.

WIC works with local merchants to provide items above.

How do you apply for WIC benefits?

A telephone call to the WIC Clinic is the first step. If qualified, the applicant will be enrolled in the WIC Program, and be on the way toward better health and nutrition.

For Enrollment Information in Lamar County contact:  903-784-1411 

WIC Program
740 6^th SW St.

Paris, TX 75460

Cost: There is no charge for eligible applicants.

Is WIC successful?

Yes, WIC works. Children lead healthier lives because WIC provides supplemental foods and emphasizes nutrition education during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood. National studies show that WIC has a positive impact on reducing low birth weight, saving on Medicaid costs and encouraging pregnant women to seek early prenatal care. Studies also show WIC participants consume larger amounts of important nutrients such as iron, protein, calcium, and vitamin C. Children participating in WIC are better immunized and more likely to have a regular source of medical care.