Final answer:
The WIC program serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who fall within specific income guidelines and are at nutrition risk. Benefits include EBT for nutritious foods and infant formula. Participation results in improved nutrition and health for mothers and children, reduced preterm births, and enhanced cognitive development for children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who is served by the WIC program?
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program serves women who are pregnant, breastfeeding up to a year postpartum, and non-breastfeeding up to six months postpartum, as well as infants and children up to the age of five. Eligibility is determined by state guidelines, which set income eligibility between 100% and 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and individuals must also be considered at nutrition risk.
What benefits are provided by WIC?
WIC provides benefits including vouchers, checks, or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) to purchase healthy foods such as cereal, juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, beans, peas, and canned fish. For those who do not breastfeed, WIC offers infant formula.
Beneficial outcomes of WIC participation
Participating in the WIC program can lead to several beneficial outcomes, including improved nutritional status for mothers and children, a decrease in preterm births, and better preparedness for learning and cognitive development in children due to the emphasis on nutritional health early in life.