WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

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PROP administers the federal WIC program for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women and their children up to age 5. (Fathers cannot receive direct benefits but are encouraged to apply on behalf of their young children.) The program provides the following benefits:

• Monthly food checks to allow women to buy foods that are important to the health of themselves and their young children, including peanut butter, eggs, milk, cheese, dried beans, tuna, and vegetables. Over 35 local grocery stores and the Portland Farmer's Market participate in the WIC program.
• Breastfeeding encouragement and support, and for those who can't or choose not to breastfeed, WIC offers infant formula.
• Education on nutrition, food shopping, and meal preparation, and referrals to other health care and social service providers as needed.
• Prenatal education and participation in the food program, which reduces the chances of the low-birth-weight baby and increases the likelihood that the baby will be robust and healthy.
• Regular monitoring of children's growth and development.

Contact: Karen Oravitz at 874-1140 Ext. 405.

More: Food Links

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© PROP (2001) / 510 Cumberland Avenue / Portland, Maine 04101 /
Last Updated: 09/July/2003

PROP is committed to assuring non-discrimination in all aspects of program participation. No one will be denied access to any aspect of participation because of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, veteran status, or political affiliation or belief.

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