Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What is WIC?
WIC is Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program which is funded by the federal government. We service women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or whose pregnancy recently ended or infants under 12 months old and children under 5 years old who have qualified financially and have been found to have a nutritional risk. We can also test infants and children in these age ranges who have a male guardian.

How do I get WIC?
To get WIC, you need to meet the WIC income guidelines and have a nutritional risk.

Pregnant women are counted as two family members. Income guidelines are based on 185% of poverty level. This instutution is an equal opportunity provider. Cuentan a las mujeres embarazadas como dos miembros de la familia. Las reglas del ingreso se basan el 185% del nivel de pobreza. Esta institucion es un proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades! WIC 909 (04/06)

Do you have the name of a good dentist?
The Medicaid dentist located on the upper floor of Patee Market is (816) 271-7807 Or please refer to the yellow pages for dentists in the community.

What are some phone numbers of various community help programs?
Division of Family Services - 387-2000
Family Guidance - 364-1501
Head Start - 233-7193
Parents-As-Teachers - 671-4300
Birthright - 279-8242
Catholic Charities - 232-2885
EOC - 233-7193
Calvin Center - 232-7779
Inter-Serv - 238-4511

What are your hours?
You can view our new hours here.

What do we bring to the certification/recertification?
Picture ID: Drivers License, School ID, or Work Identification
Medicaid Card
Person or persons to be certified/recertified for WIC
Social Security Card
Shot record of child
Proof of income: wages, child support, SSI, interest on accounts etc.
Crib Card or discharge papers from hospital for baby

How can I be certain my breastfed baby is getting enough to eat?
Breastfeeding is the perfect food for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition through at least the first birthday and longer when possible. Parents should look for certain characteristics to help identify the signs of a healthy, well-fed newborn. A baby should have a minimum of six wet diapers and three bowel movements per day after the third day of life; a weight loss no greater than 7 to 10 percent of the child's birth weight; and show a weight gain beginning the second week of life. For guidance on breastfeeding, contact WIC http://www.dhss.mo.gov/breastfeeding/index.html , a lactation specialist at Heartland Regional Medical Center New Beginnings or a local chapter of the LeLeche League http://www.lalecheleague.org/

Where can I get more formula?
Birthright, food pantries, Heartbeat Pregnancy, Support Services. WIC only provides so much formula per month to an infant and the rest of the formula needs for the infant are up to the guardian.

Where are the food pantries?
Contact the Social Welfare Board at 233-5188 for a complete, up-to-date listing of food pantries.

What foods can I get on WIC?
Women and children: milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, beans, 100% natural juices.
If postpartum women are fully breastfeeding, they also get carrots and tuna added to their package.
Baby formula, baby cereal and baby juices.