Projects

Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Farmers Market Nutrition Progam

The goals of the Wisconsin WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) are:

  • To provide WIC participants with checks to purchase locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at farmers markets.
  • To provide WIC participants with nutrition education and the resources to encourage the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
  • To increase the awareness and use of farmers markets.

The WIC FMNP provides a one-time food benefit per growing season to WIC families. Each family receives checks that are redeemed at local farmers markets from June through October. Approximately 1,000 Wisconsin farmers currently participate in this program.

WIC and Breastfeeding

Breast milk is considered the best food for the first year of a newborn’s life.  Research suggests that it can protect from many health issues, including asthma, leukemia, SIDS and diabetes, as well as benefits for the mother, such as reducing the risk of certain kinds of cancer.  WIC is dedicated to ensuring the health of mothers and their children and thus strongly encourages breastfeeding, except when medically advised otherwise.  For this reason, mothers on WIC have access to the following services:

  • WIC mothers that breastfeed are given information through counseling and educational materials.
  • Those that breastfeed may stay on WIC longer than those that do not, as well as receive an enhanced food package
  • Breast pumps, shells or other nursing supplements are available to help with breastfeeding.

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are moms like you. They breastfed their babies and will support you and cheer you on!
Peer Counselors will:

  • Listen to you and encourage you
  • Share current information about breastfeeding
  • Respect your wishes and help you meet your goals
  • See you at WIC and talk with you on the phone or by text or email
  • Answer your questions and concerns
  • Connect you with other moms and groups
  • Arrange for you to see a breastfeeding expert, if needed
  • Help you understand your baby’s sleep, cues, and crying

Ask about seeing a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at your next WIC visit.