DHSS Press Release

CHANGES TO WIC FOOD TO IMPACT NEARLY 22,000 DELAWARE WOMEN

Delaware's Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) announced today, at an event in Dover, the first revisions to its menu of supplemental foods since 1974. The changes were made to align WIC food packages with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The changes also better promote and support long-term breastfeeding. The changes effect nearly 22,000 women in Delaware with incomes at 185 percent of poverty.

WIC assists income-eligible pregnant women, mothers and children by providing vouchers that are redeemable at grocery stores for specific foods. Historically, the supplemental foods authorized for WIC packages were good sources of five target nutrients; vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and protein because those nutrients were lacking in the diets of eligible clients, according to Joanne White, Delaware WIC director. Federal regulations specify the minimum nutritional requirements for WIC foods, which include juice, iron-fortified cereal, eggs, cheese, milk, peanut butter, dried beans or peas, iron-fortified infant formula, tuna, and carrots.

WIC also promotes breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice, unless medically contraindicated. WIC mothers choosing to breastfeed are provided information through counseling and breastfeeding educational materials.

New Castle County residents interested in applying for WIC should call the Hudson State Service Center at (302) 283-7570. Kent and Sussex County residents should call the Milford State Service Center at (302) 424-7220.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.