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WIC

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English

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children known as WIC is a public health nutrition program that offers breastfeeding education and support, referrals, nutrition education, and supplemental nutritious foods to those who qualify. 

  • Pregnant individuals

  • Breastfeeding up to a year after delivery

  • Non-breastfeeding up to 6 months after delivery

  • Infants

  • Children until they turn 5 years old  

WIC’s income guidelines are 185% above the poverty level so many working families still qualify for the program. You can find the current guidelines here 
Health: WIC: Eligibility Requirements (in.gov) 

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Spanish

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Clients set an appointment and bring proof of ID, address, and income to determine their eligibility.  Every client meets with a Registered Dietitian, Qualified Nutritionist, or Registered Nurse (RN) to establish their nutritional need and for one-on-one educational counseling.  Clients are referred to other programs that may be beneficial like Medicaid, Healthy Families, smoking cessation, doctor, etc.  WIC professional staff build a supplemental food package for each client and issues benefits on an ebt card that are redeemed at WIC approved stores throughout Indiana.  WIC is a participation based nutrition program.  Clients return about every 3 months for nutrition education with the WIC professional and food benefit issuance with the full certification appointment only occurring about once a year. 

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WIC is available in each state, tribal nation, and territory of the United States.  It is a federal government nutrition program of the USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov).  Indiana WIC is run through the Indiana Department of Health Health: WIC: Home (in.gov) and within Indiana, agencies are sponsored in each county by either a health department, hospital, or nonprofit.  Community and Family Services sponsors WIC in 6 counties in north eastern Indiana:

  • Adams  

  • Blackford

  • Huntington

  • Jay

  • Randolph

  • Wells.

Indiana WIC offers a variety of foods.  Some foods that are offered to participants on WIC are dairy products, eggs, whole grain options, 100% juice, cereal, beans, peanut butter, and fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.  Fully breastfeeding women can also get cans or pouches of fish.  After 6 months of age, infants can receive infant cereal and baby food fruits and vegetables.  A fully breastfeeding infant will also receive baby food meats and non-breastfeeding or partially breastfeeding infant will receive a supplemental package of formula.  You can find a full list of WIC approved foods for Indiana here WIC Approved Foods Card (AFC) – Indiana Wic (wicresources.org).

Each state is required to do a formula rebate reauthorization every 3 years.  Mead Johnson has the current contract with Indiana WIC which means the ONLY standard formulas that can be provided by Indiana WIC are Enfamil brand.  Other specialty formulas can be provided with proper documentation from a health care provider.  Health: WIC: WIC Clients (in.gov)

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WIC is an important breastfeeding advocate in the community.  Highly trained professionals are on staff along with Peer Counselors who interact with women on a personal level to insure the most positive outcome for the mom and baby breastfeeding experience.    WIC provides not only educational materials, but also the essential support that it takes to make breastfeeding successful.  We even have an IBCLC on staff to assist with those extra troublesome breastfeeding issues.

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Our local WIC Coordinator, Amanda Slentz RDN CLS has worked for WIC for over 23 years and has been leading our agency for 18 of those.  She is typically available Monday through Friday.  Amanda is also the Vendor Liaison between the WIC approved stores and the local offices.

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Our Breastfeeding Coordinator, Kim Schmitz RDN IBCLC is extensively trained in lactation and holds the International Board Certified Lactation Specialist Certification.  She has also breastfed her 3 kids which she brought to work with her until they were 6 months old under our company policy.  Kim is typically available on some Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for breastfeeding consultations. She can be reached at kschmitz@comfam.org.

We have two supportive breastfeeding peer counselors on staff.  Michelle and Kendra have been on the program and breastfed their own children.  They have both received breastfeeding trainings to better equip them to support families through their breastfeeding journey.  They are available 24 hours a day via cell phone to answer questions, provide support, or even just be your personal breastfeeding cheerleader to let you know things are on track.  Michelle is in office in Blackford on Thursdays, Jay on Fridays, and Randolph on Mondays, but can be reached at 260-251-4661 by call or text at any time.  Kendra is in office in Adams on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Huntington on Tuesdays and Fridays, and Wells on Mondays, but can be reached at 260-273-8826 by call or text at any time.

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Community & Family Services WIC Locations 

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