Oregon WIC

Sue Woodbury, RD, MBAState WIC Director

Susan.woodbury@state.or.us(971) 673-0036

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for

Women, Infants, and Children•100% Federally Funded•Administered by USDA,

Food and Nutrition

Service•Administered by Oregon

Public Health Division (OHA)•Not an entitlement

program

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

Oregon WIC serves. . .

• 41% of all women who

gave birth in Oregon

• 59.5% of women who gave

birth in rural counties

• 1 in 3 Oregon children

under the age of 5

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

WIC Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following four criteria:

1.Are a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, infant or child under 5 years of age.

2.Lives in Oregon. 3.Has a nutritional need.4.The household income is less than 185% of

the poverty guidelines.

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

Nutrition eligibility is determined from a Nutrition Screening• Anthropometric

• Biochemical

• Dietary

• Health History

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

WIC provides . . .• Nutrition education

• Breastfeeding promotion, education and support

• Supplemental Foods

• Referrals to health &

social services

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

Foods Available through WICFruits & VeggiesWhole GrainsMilkCheeseEggsPB and/or beansCerealJuiceCanned FishInfant FoodsSpecial Medical Formulas

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

Farm Direct Nutrition Program Includes WIC clients & Seniors

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

FDNP BenefitsChecks to purchase locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut

herbs at participating farm stands and vendors at farmers markets

WIC clients receive $20 in benefits and Seniors receive $32 in benefits

In 2011 farmers received over 1.08 million in revenue Reduces premature births

Season is June through October

Almost every county, but limited funds prevent every family from receiving checks

FDNP receives a small amount of state general funds

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

WIC Connects Hunger & Health

Reduces premature birthsLowers infant mortalityPrevents childhood anemiaImproves cognitive developmentIncreases breastfeeding ratesGreater likelihood of woman receiving

prenatal care.

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

Eliminating public health problems arising from childhood hunger• Oregon has among the highest hunger rates

in the U.S.

• Oregon WIC is a partner in the Childhood Hunger Coalition (CHC)

• CHC developed a free on-line course, “Childhood Food Insecurity: Health Impacts, Screening and Intervention” available at www.ecampus.oregonstate.edu/hunger

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

WIC services are an adjunct to health care

• WIC staff work with public health and medical providers to promote good health and nutrition to Oregon’s children and babies.

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

The next new initiative….

• Moving from paper vouchers

to EBT

• Online card – same

technology as SNAP

• Statewide in 2014

Oregon WIC – Healthy foods, healthy messages, healthy families.

WIC works!US Office of Management and Budget cited

WIC as “effective” – the highest ranking

possible.

WIC received high marks for: efficient use of program fundspositive impact on birth outcomespositive impacts on childhood immunization

rates Medicaid savings