In conjunction with National Nutrition
Month®, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
for SUMMIT COUNTY is among local projects recognized throughout the month of March as part
of "30 Years of WIC Eating Smart – Staying Healthy Appreciation Month," as
designated by Governor Bob Taft. "The Ohio Department of Health recognizes 30
years of success by Ohio's 75 local WIC projects to combat the effects of hunger and
inadequate prenatal care," said Dr. David Schor, chief, Division of Family and
Community Health Services. "WIC is a win-win program for our moms, children and
taxpayers because everyone benefits when moms and children get a better nutritional start
in life."
"We have many reasons to celebrate this 30th anniversary because we know WIC
works," said Corey Hamilton, chief, Bureau of Nutrition Services. "Numerous
studies, from Yale in 1977, through the National WIC Evaluation in 1986, to the
Mathematica studies in 1990 and 1991, have shown that pregnant women who participate in
WIC have longer pregnancies leading to fewer premature births; have fewer low and very low
birth weight babies; experience fewer fetal and infant deaths; seek prenatal care earlier
in pregnancy; and consume more of such key nutrients as iron, protein, calcium, and
vitamin C. WIC helps to ensure children's normal growth, reduces levels of anemia,
increases immunization rates, and improves diets."
WIC is now available to 255,000 participants in Ohio; Summit County serves
approximately 11,000 participants in nine clinics located throughout the county.
WIC helps income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants and
children to age five who are at health risk. Eligibility is determined at a local WIC
clinic. Family income must be within 185 percent of the federal poverty income level. A
WIC health professional assesses risk by checking factors such as blood iron level,
height, weight, health history and dietary intake.
WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, and supplemental
foods rich in calcium, iron, and protein that moms and children under the age of five need
to improve their health status. These foods include milk, eggs, real cheese, peanut
butter, 100 percent fruit juices and low-sugar, iron-fortified cereals. In addition, WIC
provides referral to prenatal and pediatric health care and other maternal and child
health and human services programs.
For more information contact the Akron Health Department WIC Clinic at 330-375-2142 or
call 1-800-755-GROW.
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